hollo:


I have an approved i-140 petition. I would like to ask how long it took for USCIS to send your case to NVC, and when your case number was created. Thanks so much for your reply

Hello, have you received your welcome letter yet from NVC?

weaseloo:
Hi guys,

What are the alternatives or way out for this family:

The visa interview date (eb2 niw application) has been released and the location is Lagos. But due to unforeseen circumstances the wife cannot attend the interview in Lagos because she lives outside Nigeria and will not be able to return to Nigeria for the interview.

What can they do not to miss this opportunity?

Were you able to attend the interview with your wife or you decided to reschedule. How long after Dq did you get an interview date. How did the interview go? How long after the interview was your visa approved? Thanks in advance.

Hello,
Please how long is it taking these days to get prevailing wage determination approved? Thanks

Anyone here in Ohio please? I will be relocating there in few months. I have few questions. Thanks.

adedammy009:

Hello, have you received your welcome letter yet from NVC?

Nope not yet, I'm still waiting

.

Welcome to the thread @uchetobi

Happy to share that my I-140 (EB2-NIW) was approved this week! ( such a great Christmas gift lol).

I filed I-140 and I-485 concurrently 5 months back. I completed the whole process myself with help and guidance from a few other friends. I did not employ the services of a lawyer (personal preference though).

I have shared resources and links that were helpful for me on previous pages of this thread.

Goodluck to everyone on this journey, may the odds be in our favor.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions ( as much as is within my knowledge) right here on the thread.

No PMs please!

NotsonewMary:


If you have the extra financial resources for a lawyer, then by all means go for it. The average charge I’ve heard of in recent times has ranged between $3k-4k for the lawyers fees alone!

Alternatively, this process is also something you can put together all by yourself if you do your research very well and you’re ready to put in the work.

Below is a link that could help you to get started;

https://myeb2niw.com/

There is a DIY package on that website that goes for only $150, and trust me when I say that package has ALL that you need to get started and MORE.
N.B. I have no business links or ties with the owner of the website. You can also download the free ebook from the website.

YouTube and the internet generally has many great videos and resources for sample petition letters, recommendation letters and how to properly fill the required form(s) for EB2NIW.

Good luck to you and your spouse!

Quoting myself on this.

I will also add that now is a good time for anyone who believes they qualify to apply for NIW. There seems to be a new policy that is in favor of Employment based green-card applications (don’t quote me on this though, lol). But I have seen and heard of so many approvals in recents times, and the wait time is now shorter.

Also, the most important thing I believe is to satisfy the 3 prong requirements. However, the basic requirement of having an advanced degree or exceptional ability must first be met. You do not need to have publications, it’s great to have them, but not compulsory, there are very many other ways that you can prove that your proposed endeavor is in the national interest of the United States, and that you’re well-positioned to carry out this endeavor.

@Helpout12345 or @semmyk or anyone else on this thread. Could you assist me with interpreting this image from the most recent Jan 2023 visa bulletin.

Does this mean that an applicant cannot concurrently file EB-2 category at the moment? It seems the priority date is no longer current for all countries.

I have a friend that is planning to submit I-140 and I-485 concurrently next week. Does this mean that she cannot submit the I-485 right now?

NotsonewMary:
@Helpout12345 or @semmyk or anyone else on this thread. Could you assist me with interpreting this image from the most recent Jan 2023 visa bulletin.

Does this mean that an applicant cannot concurrently file EB-2 category at the moment? It seems the priority date is no longer current for all countries.

I have a friend that is planning to submit I-140 and I-485 concurrently next week. Does this mean that she cannot submit the I-485 right now?

Yes because the date is not current.

A good reason to file concurrently is for faster processing of the GC/EAD.

On the other hand what if the petition is denied? The app fee for I-485 is gone. The applicant can decide what is best.

Studymore123:


Yes because the date is not current.

A good reason to file concurrently is for faster processing of the GC/EAD.

On the other hand what if the petition is denied? The app fee for I-485 is gone. The applicant can decide what is best.

Thanks!

Like you said, concurrent filing helps with EAD, but it also helps when a person’s current status is almost running out. It’s all a risk sha, so I understand the fear of what if I-140 is denied. But sometimes it’s a risk worth taking.

NotsonewMary:
Welcome to the thread @uchetobi

Happy to share that my I-140 (EB2-NIW) was approved this week! ( such a great Christmas gift lol).

I filed I-140 and I-485 concurrently 5 months back. I completed the whole process myself with help and guidance from a few other friends. I did not employ the services of a lawyer (personal preference though).

I have shared resources and links that were helpful for me on previous pages of this thread.

Goodluck to everyone on this journey, may the odds be in our favor.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions ( as much as is within my knowledge) right here on the thread.

No PM’s please!

Congrats

Nice to see a thread on this here!

pointednose:


Congrats

Thank you!

chibertha:
Right now I am gathering my documents to apply for EB2 - NIW immediately after I finish my studies. No time to check time.

What type of degree are u going to have? Masters or PhD?

NotsonewMary:
Welcome to the thread @uchetobi

Happy to share that my I-140 (EB2-NIW) was approved this week! ( such a great Christmas gift lol).

I filed I-140 and I-485 concurrently 5 months back. I completed the whole process myself with help and guidance from a few other friends. I did not employ the services of a lawyer (personal preference though).

I have shared resources and links that were helpful for me on previous pages of this thread.

Goodluck to everyone on this journey, may the odds be in our favor.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions ( as much as is within my knowledge) right here on the thread.

No PM’s please!

Congrats @ NotsonewMary. From your experience & interaction with successful applicants, what's your advice for someone on PhD? Whether to apply during the study or wait after completion not considering publications & citations status.

damoche64:


Congrats @ NotsonewMary. From your experience & interaction with successful applicants, what's your advice for someone on PhD? Whether to apply during the study or wait after completion not considering publications & citations status.

Honestly, there’s no 1 cap fits all or specific pattern to this thing.
One of the first people that boosted my confidence with applying was back in 2020 when a friend I met told me she got approved back in 2019 while she was still on her regular OPT post graduation from her master’s program, she had zero publications or citations, she had only included one of the unpublished papers she had written as part of her coursework while doing her master’s program.

I also do not have any publications or citations. I do not have a PhD degree as well, though I have two advanced degrees ( A medical degree and A masters degree).

In my opinion, one of the most important factors remain your proposed endeavor, what is the strength of your work? Can you find relevant articles to support how important this is to the United States? Can you find important statistics to show the trend of things in that field?

In my case, my proposed endeavor and current work is in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, I looked for important government articles and other articles by key organizations (CDC, Harvard, John Hopkins etc) to support and show the national and economic importance /substantial merit of my work.

Also, you have to go all out when writing about how you are well positioned to carry out your proposed endeavor. This is your opportunity to “sell yourself”, DO IT WELL!

“The second prong shifts the focus from the proposed endeavor to the foreign national. To determine whether he or she is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor, officers consider factors including, but not limited to: the individual's education, skills, knowledge, and record of success in related or similar efforts; a model or plan for future activities; any progress towards achieving the proposed endeavor; and the interest of potential customers, users, investors, or other relevant entities or persons.”

The above is quoted from the USCIS policy manual for EB2NIW. Read this manual thoroughly, it will guide you!
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-f-chapter-5

Letters of recommendation from experts in your field are also strongly encouraged!

Overall, you know your situation better than anyone else. If you believe having your PhD degree will boost your application and give your application more strength, then by all means wait for it!

I hope this long write up is helpful

Helpout12345:


Here you go. Based on states or Alaska or Hawaii. You will use 125pct figures.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p

Those figures are expected to carry you and family for a period of 1 year without needing any public charge benefits.

Wow! Don't know what to say.

Just like your moniker implies, so far your inputs have been so helpful. Thanks for all the pointers.

Oh I am in WV just across the bridge from Chesapeake Ohio.
Well the much I know about Ohio is that it has more people of color than here.

pointednose:
Anyone here in Ohio please? I will be relocating there in few months. I have few questions. Thanks.

I helped a friend do hers too in July 2023 and it was approved in November 2023.
I will do mine next year when I start my PhD. I will be graduating from masters in spring 2023.
My profile
B.Eng Civil / Public health Engineering Nigeria
15 years experience in oil and gas in Nigeria with plenty certifications from around the world
Masters Environmental Engineering
Internship in the USA

So I have all it takes to push except that I am facing school fees now and EAD in January 2023.

The thing is straight forward.

NotsonewMary:
Welcome to the thread @uchetobi

Happy to share that my I-140 (EB2-NIW) was approved this week! ( such a great Christmas gift lol).

I filed I-140 and I-485 concurrently 5 months back. I completed the whole process myself with help and guidance from a few other friends. I did not employ the services of a lawyer (personal preference though).

I have shared resources and links that were helpful for me on previous pages of this thread.

Goodluck to everyone on this journey, may the odds be in our favor.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions ( as much as is within my knowledge) right here on the thread.

No PM’s please!

Masters in Environmental Health and Safety and going ahead to PhD environmental engineering in fall 2023.

Rdfactor:


What type of degree are u going to have? Masters or PhD?

From my interactions with successful applicants you can do it during or after your chances are still high because of your masters.

damoche64:


Congrats @ NotsonewMary. From your experience & interaction with successful applicants, what's your advice for someone on PhD? Whether to apply during the study or wait after completion not considering publications & citations status.

@chibertha, Great profile!

I never knew there was a Public Health Engineering program in naija (Looks like an interesting area that I’ll love to know about probably for future graduate studies).

It’s how you’re steady combining Healthcare and Engineering for me!, Big Woman Doingsss!

I hope and pray your finances get sorted, hopefully you can still look into external funding opportunities or make an appeal to your program director to see how you can get a fee reduction or something. (The latter worked for me!)

All the best with everything!

NotsonewMary:
Welcome to the thread @uchetobi

Happy to share that my I-140 (EB2-NIW) was approved this week! ( such a great Christmas gift lol).

I filed I-140 and I-485 concurrently 5 months back. I completed the whole process myself with help and guidance from a few other friends. I did not employ the services of a lawyer (personal preference though).

I have shared resources and links that were helpful for me on previous pages of this thread.

Goodluck to everyone on this journey, may the odds be in our favor.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions ( as much as is within my knowledge) right here on the thread.

No PM’s please!

Congratulations @NotsonewMary. Thanks for sharing your journey so far.

chibertha:
Masters in Environmental Health and Safety and going ahead to PhD environmental engineering in fall 2023.

Hmmmm. See book

Yes sister.
I read in FUTO
We have options the school of engineering there so we graduate from our options for example in Civil Engineering we have
Highway
Structural
Water resources
And
Public health
I was the only one who did public health in my class because my classmates did not understand the option.

I got GA though 70% fee waiver, so I use my stipend to offset my own part of the fees

Thanks for the compliments


Also

NotsonewMary:
@chibertha, Great profile!

I never knew there was a Public Health Engineering program in naija (Looks like an interesting area that I’ll love to know about probably for future graduate studies).

It’s how you’re steady combining Healthcare and Engineering for me!, Big Woman Doingsss!

I hope and pray your finances get sorted, hopefully you can still look into external funding opportunities or make an appeal to your program director to see how you can get a fee reduction or something. (The latter worked for me!)

All the best with everything!

Na hustling mood ooh.

Rdfactor:


Hmmmm. See book

Thanks Chibertha for sharing your experience and information. I will definitely get in touch with you for help regarding the application when I decided on what to do. We both belong to the same Civil Engineering family although I'm more into low-carbon construction materials and cement chemistry now but really enjoy all civil specializations.

chibertha:
From my interactions with successful applicants you can do it during or after your chances are still high because of your masters.

Thanks for the insightful and helpful information @NotsonewMary. You have given alot of us the confidence to go all out & get the job done. Your degree in Epid. is hotcake now that pandemic is just in our backyard unlike before & every government is taking public health more seriously. I wish you success in the remaining process & will be eagerly waiting to congratulate you on your GC soon. Hopefully, you will accept my Pm if assistance is needed on the application.

NotsonewMary:


Honestly, there’s no 1 cap fits all or specific pattern to this thing.
One of the first people that boosted my confidence with applying was back in 2020 when a friend I met told me she got approved back in 2019 while she was still on her regular OPT post graduation from her master’s program, she had zero publications or citations, she had only included one of the unpublished papers she had written as part of her coursework while doing her master’s program.

I also do not have any publications or citations. I do not have a PhD degree as well, though I have two advanced degrees ( A medical degree and A masters degree).

In my opinion, one of the most important factors remain your proposed endeavor, what is the strength of your work? Can you find relevant articles to support how important this is to the United States? Can you find important statistics to show the trend of things in that field?

In my case, my proposed endeavor and current work is in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, I looked for important government articles and other articles by key organizations (CDC, Harvard, John Hopkins etc) to support and show the national and economic importance /substantial merit of my work.

Also, you have to go all out when writing about how you are well positioned to carry out your proposed endeavor. This is your opportunity to “sell yourself”, DO IT WELL!

“The second prong shifts the focus from the proposed endeavor to the foreign national. To determine whether he or she is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor, officers consider factors including, but not limited to: the individual's education, skills, knowledge, and record of success in related or similar efforts; a model or plan for future activities; any progress towards achieving the proposed endeavor; and the interest of potential customers, users, investors, or other relevant entities or persons.”

The above is quoted from the USCIS policy manual for EB2NIW. Read this manual thoroughly, it will guide you!
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-f-chapter-5

Letters of recommendation from experts in your field are also strongly encouraged!

Overall, you know your situation better than anyone else. If you believe having your PhD degree will boost your application and give your application more strength, then by all means wait for it!

I hope this long write up is helpful

damoche64:
Thanks for the insightful and helpful information @NotsonewMary. You have given alot of us the confidence to go all out & get the job done. Your degree in Epid. is hotcake now that pandemic is just in our backyard unlike before & every government is taking public health more seriously. I wish you success in the remaining process & will be eagerly waiting to congratulate you on your GC soon. Hopefully, you will accept my Pm if assistance is needed on the application.

Thank you, I can’t wait for the remaining process to be completed as well. The relief will be out of this world haha.

@ PM; Let’s see , I have some requests already and I have made a conscious decision not to do any individual chatting, it really can be draining having to explain the whole process and all it entails to each person. But, maybe, just maybe I’ll make an exception for you! Fingers crossed lol

Have a beautiful rest of the week/end of the year!

NotsonewMary:


Honestly, there’s no 1 cap fits all or specific pattern to this thing.
One of the first people that boosted my confidence with applying was back in 2020 when a friend I met told me she got approved back in 2019 while she was still on her regular OPT post graduation from her master’s program, she had zero publications or citations, she had only included one of the unpublished papers she had written as part of her coursework while doing her master’s program.

I also do not have any publications or citations. I do not have a PhD degree as well, though I have two advanced degrees ( A medical degree and A masters degree).

In my opinion, one of the most important factors remain your proposed endeavor, what is the strength of your work? Can you find relevant articles to support how important this is to the United States? Can you find important statistics to show the trend of things in that field?

In my case, my proposed endeavor and current work is in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, I looked for important government articles and other articles by key organizations (CDC, Harvard, John Hopkins etc) to support and show the national and economic importance /substantial merit of my work.

Also, you have to go all out when writing about how you are well positioned to carry out your proposed endeavor. This is your opportunity to “sell yourself”, DO IT WELL!

“The second prong shifts the focus from the proposed endeavor to the foreign national. To determine whether he or she is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor, officers consider factors including, but not limited to: the individual's education, skills, knowledge, and record of success in related or similar efforts; a model or plan for future activities; any progress towards achieving the proposed endeavor; and the interest of potential customers, users, investors, or other relevant entities or persons.”

The above is quoted from the USCIS policy manual for EB2NIW. Read this manual thoroughly, it will guide you!
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-6-part-f-chapter-5

Letters of recommendation from experts in your field are also strongly encouraged!

Overall, you know your situation better than anyone else. If you believe having your PhD degree will boost your application and give your application more strength, then by all means wait for it!

I hope this long write up is helpful

Congrats! Considering we just went through Covid, it wasn’t a stretch to prove that an infectious disease epidemiologist is of interest to the United States.

damoche64:


Congrats @ NotsonewMary. From your experience & interaction with successful applicants, what's your advice for someone on PhD? Whether to apply during the study or wait after completion not considering publications & citations status.

Depends on many factors. I assume you’re applying for a EB2 NIW, in that case your degree, and how you sell its importance is critical. Any other EB2 filing will require an employer to file on your behalf and would need you to wait until completion of your studies.