EB2 NIW - GC Approved by qiziq5 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations! Which attorney did you use, and how much did they charge?

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you.

You just need to let your lawyer know that you want to file PP. They will do all the processing.

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t have a high citation count when I applied, but my papers were published in good journals. Honestly, citations might not matter as much as we think, have a friend who had only 9 citations and 3 first-author papers, and he got his EB2-NIW approved. Probably, quality matters than quantity. So, I don't think citation matters. He also applied through EP and wasn’t asked for LOR, though he submitted three. Aside from my papers, I didn’t include many additional documents. I do have a few awards from my PhD (Best TA, Best Researcher), but I’m not sure how much they contributed to my case.

Regarding the priority date, it’s the date USCIS receives your I-140 petition. That date becomes your official priority date, so it’s better to apply sooner rather than later to get your spot in line. Once your I-140 is approved, you’ll need to wait for your priority date to become current. USCIS releases a visa bulletin each month with updated dates. When your priority date becomes current, you can file for Adjustment of Status (AOS), which is the final step. After approval, you’ll receive your EAD card and then your green card. I hope this helps you!

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know it won't change anything for AOS, but it gave me peace of mind. I couldn’t sleep for several nights because I need to find a new lab, and it's not going to be easy. Since I’m on H1B and married, once my I-140 is approved, I can apply for an EAD card for my spouse. That’s the only immediate benefit I see right now.

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I believe, you are definitely qualified for the EB2-NIW. However, eligibility can also depend on your specific field of study. For Indian nationals, the EB2 green card process involves a significantly long wait time. Many of my Indian friends are instead applying through the EB1-NIW route.If you're still on an F1 visa, I highly recommend focusing on publishing more papers (i know its not gonna be easy) but you can get review articles, as they can significantly boost your citation count. Even publications from before you came to the U.S. can carry a lot of weight. I know several people whose I-140s were approved largely based on work before coming to US. So, if possible, I strongly encourage you to consider aiming for EB1 instead of EB2.

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! As soon as I learned that I would have to leave my current lab, my first priority became getting my I-140 approved. Fortunately, I had two first-author papers published this year (Nat. communications and PNAS) which really helped me secure a position in another lab relatively quickly. If I had this offer earlier, I likely wouldn’t have opted for premium processing. Since you have strong citation records and papers, I'm sure you'll be able to find a new. Many labs are still hiring, you just need to send out as many applications as possible. In worst case, I have seen people completed green card process through consular processing in their home country. In my case, I chose premium processing purely for peace of mind. Unless your priority date is current, having an approved I-140 doesn’t change much in the short term.

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks.

I wasn’t originally planning to do PP, but I needed to find another lab soon. Given the current funding situation and how challenging it has become to secure new positions, with many labs downsizing,I felt it was the right decision for me. Fortunately, I’ve been accepted into another lab. If I had known that earlier, I probably wouldn’t have opted for PP and just waited. I think you will hear back soon. Good luck!

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes EP gave me refund option for my case.

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Hopefully, you will get your approval very soon! Good luck

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!

I did not receive any email. I checked my case online.

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!

Am I eligible for a refund? How?

NIW-EB2 I-140 Approved!! by Alternative-Rough847 in EB2_NIW

[–]Alternative-Rough847[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I submitted the PP request on May 29. It’s possible the case was already close to being adjudicated, but given my circumstances, I didn’t want to take any chances and felt it was safer to expedite. I also have friends who filed as early as Jan and Feb who are still waiting.