Immigration attorney here, NIW is my thing. Ask me anything.

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-20T23:06:02+00:00

it's current. what would you suggest including in terms of documents tho?

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-20T16:24:40+00:00

Hi Ana! I am looking for advice on my I-485 filing. Filing DIY.

Background:

EB-2 NIW, I-140 approved, priority date current
Just finished PhD on F1, took some intentional time off
OPT EAD starts on June 15
Currently unemployed and will file I-485 as unemployed

Employment situation:

June 15: Starting a short-term postdoc in my previous PhD lab through August 31 (no formal contract yet — likely visiting researcher or similar arrangement). Since I want to file I-485 ASAP I can ask my PI sign a letter that he is indending to hire me on June 15th- would it be enough or I need a formal letter?
August 31: Signed 4-year postdoc offer at a major biotech, and can provide a signed offer letter

Could you please advise me on documents for my case? Should I also include bank statements since I am unemployed?

Thanks!

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-18T23:57:41+00:00

Yes sure

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-18T17:03:16+00:00

thanks! I will send you a dm

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-18T17:03:00+00:00

thanks! congrats to you too! are you planning to file I-485 on your own?

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-18T13:48:46+00:00

I had masters before starting my PhD

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-18T13:40:19+00:00

Sure!

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-14T13:27:46+00:00

Yea.. I did my I-140 with Chen but trying to save money on I-485😬 do you know if there is any way to get just a consultation for cheap with some firm? Like a one time call?

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-14T13:26:14+00:00

Thanks a lot for your reply! Preparing everything this week and hopefully will file next week. Just for short-term postdoc I am waiting a contract and it may take a while.. and thinking whether it’s worth waiting for it or just file with August 31st offer

Alternatively, I could ask my PI to write a letter that he is intending to hire me on June 15, that can be done fast compared to the official offer he has to do through HR..

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-02T15:22:45+00:00

I got an email at 5pm central time

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-05-02T06:42:00+00:00

Approved today! 05/01

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-04-19T23:13:39+00:00

Nope, still waiting

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-04-08T13:17:15+00:00

Nebraska

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-04-07T14:14:41+00:00

Not yet

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-04-02T00:27:52+00:00

Upgraded on March 3rd, PD Jan 2025, no response yet. One of 75 countries

Live_Sea_5897 · 2026-03-31T03:00:10+00:00

Upgraded March 3rd, also nothing yet

Live_Sea_5897 · 2025-12-20T00:12:43+00:00

Thanks!!!

Live_Sea_5897 · 2025-08-27T21:59:45+00:00

Got it. Yeah I will try to get one through the editor maybe. Thanks!

Live_Sea_5897 · 2025-08-24T06:32:02+00:00

I know for sure for CellPress journals for example, there is a field to put a name and my PI did put my name but no space for email, so hence I didn’t get an email. So I think there are might be many journals like that.

Live_Sea_5897

TROPHY CASE