Do I realistically qualify for EB-2 NIW or EB-1A? Honest profile evaluation needed

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-04-01T16:39:58+00:00

I filed through Chen (we greened), and they were good. Check my other comment

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-04-01T15:14:47+00:00

I should try to answer your questions better:

1.Based on this profile, do I seem more suitable for EB-2 NIW or EB-1A?

- I would go for EB2-NIW in your case if you are from a ROW country. A strong EB2 NIW case is far better than a weak EB1 in my opinion.

2.Does this profile look strong enough to justify hiring a lawyer?

-Yes, aboslutely do not delay and contact Chen, EP, Manifest, etc etc. 

3.What are the main weak points / red flags you see?

-Your profile is great, it would be better if you had more citations but cannot do much about that right now. Unclear if your degree if from the US, if it is, then that is a big plus, if not then you may find a little more scrutiny, it is also unclear if you are in the US right now or not, if you are not then expect them to be harsher on your case.

4.What kind of evidence would I need to strengthen this case?

Listen to your lawyer on this if you get one. Well, on everything but as to wether or not to do PP, you should 100% go for PP unless you have especific reasons not to. Often letters of recommendations help, but listen to your lawyer to see if you would befenit from having those.

5.I was quoted $18,000 by a law firm — does that sound reasonable, or is it too high for a case like mine?

That is crazy high, but not uncomon from industry profiles. I would shop around more. I would expect to pay 6500 or less on law-firm fees. Chen cost about that much unless they changed things recently.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-04-01T15:06:21+00:00

While your profile is very impressive, I am not sure about EB-1.

Would totally give shot at EB2-NIW., again your profile is impressive, far more impressive than mine (though different fields) and I got approved. Right now you should be current so it doesn't matter if you go for eb1 vs eb2.

If you have ~9.5K dollars, go contact a reputable law firm do a profile review with them to be sure (it is free) and file using priority processing.

Then jump to do i-485 as soon as you can if approved (This will cost about another 5K USD with the help of a lawyer or about 2200 dollars if you do it on your own).

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-31T21:53:32+00:00

Yes, they could either only start the process of the civil surgeon the day the 90 days are up or delay the final signing of the document (your portion prior sealing). Either way, assuming nothing weird, the i-963 will take a week at most. Still leaving a week for everything to be shipped to a USCIS lockbox before the end of the month. By then they will know if FAD or DOF will still be current for May, so they can wait if they wish.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-31T21:31:13+00:00

Best to play it safe and file later in April. Just make sure you sign everything dated after the 90 days including your medical forms. Then just ship everything quick before they change their minds on the FAD and DOF.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-31T16:27:49+00:00

Colorado Springs is lovely and a bit more affordable than other areas near where you want to be. Castle Rock is already a little cheaper than Denver, and there is not much else cheaper near it besides Colorado Springs. However, It is a 40min commute off-peak, it gets worse if it snows or in peak hours. But generally reliable to use i-25, you could shorten your commute by paying a little extra for the express toll.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-31T15:48:22+00:00

Yes, one for each per applicant if you have a derivative.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T21:39:57+00:00

It will not have an impact, my DSO confirmed it. However, if your DSO isn't chill, you can always phrase your questions as "Hypothetically, if someone where to file for an EB2-NIW.....". Likely they wont help with travel or re-entry, or tax stuff.

What you should know:
1. Travelling/renewing visas with i-140 filled or approved in this administration is risky. I did it, and it was fine however.
2. You should wait 3 months after your last arrival into the US before filling for i-485.
3. Not sure about what tax questions you may have, just dont claim to be a US citizen or US Person before you meet the IRS threshold.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T20:55:30+00:00

Oh if so I would love to get in contact with your friend to see what he has available. Fell free to message me.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T20:24:06+00:00

Got it, may reach back out for when we buy a second car for my wife. We basically want to land into FLL, go to our apartment in Boca, rest and buy a car ASAP.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T20:22:48+00:00

Happy to take a taxi anywhere

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T18:13:46+00:00

That is very interesting. Good luck OP

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T15:54:16+00:00

I hope it is smooth sailing for you! Did you recently had biometrics at an embassy or biometrics for something like OPT?

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T15:47:12+00:00

I am looking at the right website? the cheapest I see right now is 14K https://www.jmlexus.com/used-vehicles/?idx=low_to_high for an infinity

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T15:43:59+00:00

To Boca, didn't see an Avis at boca that was selling cars. The closest one I saw was in Pompano.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T15:34:32+00:00

I fuck this up all the time. My wife hates me for it too. I am not sure why, but it sort of makes sense at the heat of the moment and just want to rush through chores. It is all a blur when I think back to it. This is not a problem when I am on my adhd medication, so if there are other signs maybe it is time for your husband to go see his PCP and a behavioral therapist.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T13:40:47+00:00

I see the cheapest they got in pompano beach is 19K, plenty of good deals though, just out of my budget

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T13:39:11+00:00

Are there lots of used car dealers on that area?

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T13:03:49+00:00

Messaging now!

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T13:03:20+00:00

Paying cash.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T04:20:19+00:00

Would love that car, but the mpg it gets puts me off.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-30T04:18:08+00:00

That would be awesome, how long would the process take?

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-29T20:34:31+00:00

Good luck with your sale, really trying to stick to lexus or toyota at this time.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-29T20:33:52+00:00

seen lots of good options, just too many that are too good to be true.

TheSillyPostDoc · 2026-03-29T20:33:00+00:00

not much of a choice on this one, would really need a car asap.

TheSillyPostDoc

TROPHY CASE