What's the longest you can defer a MBB Consulting Offer?

I am an advanced degree candidate, foreign national. Last week I filed for my green card (I-140 to be precise. My lawyer advises me that the entire green card application process will take about 12mth, and I am not recommended to change my line of work for 6mth after obtaining the green card. In other words, I am stuck in my occupation for 18mth (or more depending on the process), and there is no way a MBB consultant is the same as my current occupation.

What is the longest time period where one can defer an MBB offer? If I start a job as a consultant before the green card application process is complete, I stand to lose it. I also know that MBB firms do not typically sponsor green card until you get promoted to Project Leader / Engagement Manager.

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I should also add the urgency to apply now is because I still fall under advance degree candidate. If I wait too long and start a "real" job, I will fall under experienced hire where the standards are higher.

Ideally deferring by 2 years seems optimal, that will give enough time for the green card application to complete and sufficient buffer for RFE (basically additional paperwork that prolongs the process) and to be employed in my current occupation for a sufficiently long time such that the green card application does not get denied for misrepresentation due to job changes. But I have yet to see anyone out there who claims to have done a 2 year deferred start date?

 

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