NotsonewMary:

This is a good one!, I know a friend that used this company and shared her petition letter with me, it was superb!, Infact she just received her GC last week. (EB2NIW).

Ah for real! That is very good to know

Studymore123:

You got an interesting profile. It will be very easy if you're able to get an employer. I never had a degree when I got an employer. The EB2 also offers you the option to self petition which will waive the labor certification. You have all it takes.

Hmm would be great if it were possible to get an employer. But as we work full time already having the time to secure work sponsorship in addition to the EB2 process itself might be a tall order thus self petition is more attractive if we can meet the NIW criteria.
But thank you for the encouragement

johnJS:

Hmm would be great if it were possible to get an employer. But as we work full time already having the time to secure work sponsorship in addition to the EB2 process itself might be a tall order thus self petition is more attractive if we can meet the NIW criteria.
But thank you for the encouragement

You know your circumstances better than anyone else. Do what you know is best for you and at your pace. Nothing stops you from exploring both options. You can self petition and also get an employer. You can have multiple applications in the system. Don't forget you don't know the profiles of NotsonewMary or any other person who did it themselves. The 2 persons I know who did it themselves had PhDs from US universities. Post covid, many things have changed. If you have the funds go with an experienced immigration attorney, if you don't you can DIY. I wish you the very best.

Studymore123:

You know your circumstances better than anyone else. Do what you know is best for you and at your pace. Nothing stops you from exploring both options. You can self petition and also get an employer. You can have multiple applications in the system. Don't forget you don't know the profiles of NotsonewMary or any other person who did it themselves. The 2 persons I know who did it themselves had PhDs from US universities. Post covid, many things have changed. If you have the funds go with an experienced immigration attorney, if you don't you can DIY. I wish you the very best.

Studymore123 thank you. Actually your post stuck in my head and frankly I will be considering the employer option also. I did not know it was possible to have multiple applications, that is interesting. Although of course that would mean multiple fees but then again it would mean more options.
I'm learning more with every input from you and the others so thank you. Your good wishes are also appreciated

Its about time this started. I will be following closely. I have an employer who filed H1B and EB2 for me concurrently. I am still in the process though. All the best to everyone.

My background is Science (Immunology and bio-engineering) with about 170 citations on google scholar. My h1B was processed by a University ( You have to be employed before they can go through with filing fo you). H1B took like 8-9 months. Visa interview was easy, friendly. For my EB2 NIW, the school got a lawyer for me (paid part of it). NIW case was approved this week. Presently waiting for i-485 filing.

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer here! Good luck with your application

johnJS:


Hello, are you able to share more details about your application processes for both the H1B and EB-1 visas? And any anecdotes about your background and the journey thus far in general. Personal identifiers could always be omitted for privacy.

I think the more that it's shared directly on this thread, as opposed to privately on PMs, the more a lot of us will be able to learn.

Thank you

Great. Mine took 6 months exactly. My case was approved yesterday!

pointednose:
Its about time this started. I will be following closely. I have an employer who filed H1B and EB2 for me concurrently. I am still in the process though. All the best to everyone.

drbabsok:

Great. Mine took 6 months exactly. My case was approved yesterday!

Yipee, we have an approval story on the thread. Congrats drbabsok!

Did you file i140 and i485 concurrently? And was your application submitted at the Nebraska or Texas center. A couple of people have told me Nebraska is faster with processing than Texas that’s why I’m asking if you wouldn’t mind. Thanks!

drbabsok:

Great. Mine took 6 months exactly. My case was approved yesterday!

Congrats.

drbabsok:

Great. Mine took 6 months exactly. My case was approved yesterday!

Congratulations. Good luck with your adjustment process!

Please can you share the website of the attorney here for folks to consider when looking for attorney to retain?

drbabsok:

My background is Science (Immunology and bio-engineering) with about 170 citations on google scholar.

Thanks for responding drbabsok and big congratulations on your case approval, that's encouraging news for us all.
I think you answered my main questions and a couple more really as I wanted to know your area of specialization. Hats off to you though, your background is hardcore!

I'll just ask, were you already in the US when you secured the initial employment with the university? I imagine so from all you wrote but just to confirm.

I used Ellis Porter and my I-140 was approved last week Friday. Getting ready for the I-485 now.

Helpout12345:


Good. Examples of attorneys for industry professionals are

https://www.hooyou.com/
https://messersmithlaw.com/

There are others but I know industry professionals, engineers, accountants that have successfully used those two above.

DocND:
I used Ellis Porter and my I-140 was approved last week Friday. Getting ready for the I-485 now.

Congratulations on your approval. How long did it take? When was your PD? Can you share a bit about your profile? Publications, citations, etc

Thank you!
I'm in the Environmental field (BSc Industrial Chemistry, MSc Energy & Env Mgt, PhD Environmental Science-Chemistry).
I got my PhD this year and funny enough, I have not published anything from it yet, so I used one publication from my MSc where I was second author and that had about 17 citations or so. Thankfully, I was able to get recommendation letters from some of the people who cited my work. I think the key is to have a very strong petition that satisfies the three prongs and one should be good. My I-140 took 8months+ and no PD yet because I haven't submitted application for I-485.
The one thing I will say is for folks to start as early as possible. I initially thought that I have to finish my PhD before starting the process and nope. I know/have heard of people who started and got approved for everything even before finishing their studies.

adedammy009:

Congratulations on your approval. How long did it take? When was your PD? Can you share a bit about your profile? Publications, citations, etc

Congratulations @DocND. Ur profile is gonna serve as motivation for me as I'm planning submitting my thesis this year although just 1journal article & few conferences published from it 4 now. My initial plan was to finish PhD & apply through DIY following guidance from online resources.

How much did Ellis Porter charged for their fee?

DocND:
Thank you!
I'm in the Environmental field (BSc Industrial Chemistry, MSc Energy & Env Mgt, PhD Environmental Science-Chemistry).
I got my PhD this year and funny enough, I have not published anything from it yet, so I used one publication from my MSc where I was second author and that had about 17 citations or so. Thankfully, I was able to get recommendation letters from some of the people who cited my work. I think the key is to have a very strong petition that satisfies the three prongs and one should be good. My I-140 took 8months+ and no PD yet because I haven't submitted application for I-485.
The one thing I will say is for folks to start as early as possible. I initially thought that I have to finish my PhD before starting the process and nope. I know/have heard of people who started and got approved for everything even before finishing their studies.

Yes, I wasnt. I applied from outside of the USA.

johnJS:

Thanks for responding drbabsok and big congratulations on your case approval, that's encouraging news for us all.
I think you answered my main questions and a couple more really as I wanted to know your area of specialization. Hats off to you though, your background is hardcore!

I'll just ask, were you already in the US when you secured the initial employment with the university? I imagine so from all you wrote but just to confirm.

I used Ellis Porter. I have a PhD with 170 citations from 13 publications.

Helpout12345:


Congratulations. Good luck with your adjustment process!

Please can you share the website of the attorney here for folks to consider when looking for attorney to retain?

I didn’t submit any recommendations. I only used my citations and number of publications.

oluezekiel:


It would be helpful if those who already submitted their petition could provide a summary of their profile.
Like, Status : F-1, OPT, H-1B etc
Number of Publications/Patents
Letter of Recommendation.

I'm also planning on applying asap but still not sure of the documents that will be needed. I don't want to be wasting money on lawyers consultations.
Hope I'm not asking for too much.

Thank you! They charged me $4000 and that's just for the I-140. 1 journal is more than enough-the most important thing is to package the application well because the USCIS peeps are looking to make sure that your petition satisfies the three prongs for NIW. At the end of the day, just figure out what's best for you and go for it �

damoche64:
Congratulations @DocND. Ur profile is gonna serve as motivation for me as I'm planning submitting my thesis this year although just 1journal article & few conferences published from it 4 now. My initial plan was to finish PhD & apply through DIY following guidance from online resources.

How much did Ellis Porter charged for their fee?

Starting to take shape for academia, researcher, with on-the-ground postings here.
In a nutshell, get publishing in good journals (beware of where you publish).
Have GS (Google Scholar) profile and ORCID, ResearchGate might be worthwhile.
If you can, become reviewer in good/high-impact journals.
All the best those going academe route.

drbabsok:

... about 170 citations on google scholar.

drbabsok:
... I have a PhD with 170 citations from 13 publications.

DocND:
... used one publication from my MSc where I was second author and that had about 17 citations or so. Thankfully, I was able to get recommendation letters from some of the people who cited my work. I think the key is to have a very strong petition that satisfies the three prongs and one should be good ...

By way of rough summary.
Page 1: introduction, overview of EB categories
Page 2: high-level details of EB categories
Page 3: DIY, lawyers
Page 4: EB submissions academic route
Thanks everyone. Great thread.

drbabsok:

Yes, I wasnt. I applied from outside of the USA.

Oh OK interesting and encouraging.

Thank you for your responses and once again I wish you all the best on the rest of the EB-2 process.

NotsonewMary:


Yipee, we have an approval story on the thread. Congrats drbabsok!

Did you file i140 and i485 concurrently? And was your application submitted at the Nebraska or Texas center. A couple of people have told me Nebraska is faster with processing than Texas that’s why I’m asking if you wouldn’t mind. Thanks!

Using this link

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Nebraska is on average faster than Texas at the moment for NIW.

Although, some individual cases are decided earlier or later than the average time. I have seen people getting approved in 2 weeks or within 3 months without premium processing, and I have seen people not approved until 14th months.

Another thing that cause delay sometimes is concurrent applications. The current process of managing concurrent filling at USCIS involves sending applicants files through multiple service centers, thereby adding to the I140 decision time. As a result, it's advisable not to do concurrent.

drbabsok:
I used Ellis Porter. I have a PhD with 170 citations from 13 publications.

Solid! Well done!

Is this the attorney's website? https://www.ellisporter.com/

semmyk:
By way of rough summary.
Page 1: introduction, overview of EB categories
Page 2: high-level details of EB categories
Page 3: DIY, lawyers
Page 4: EB submissions academic route
Thanks everyone. Great thread.

Very good summary. Thanks.

drbabsok:

Yes, I wasnt. I applied from outside of the USA.

Meaning you are going through consular processing for your final stage. All the best!

I wanted to drop a hint but you will not need it since you already have a job waiting for you in the US.

Helpout12345:


Using this link

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Nebraska is on average faster than Texas at the moment for NIW.

Although, some individual cases are decided earlier or later than the average time. I have seen people getting approved in 2 weeks or within 3 months without premium processing, and I have seen people not approved until 14th months.

Another thing that cause delay sometimes is concurrent applications. The current process of managing concurrent filling at USCIS involves sending applicants files through multiple service centers, thereby adding to the I140 decision time. As a result, it's advisable not to do concurrent.

Thanks for taking your time to explain!

Helpout12345:


Meaning you are going through consular processing for your final stage. All the best!

I wanted to drop a hint but you will not need it since you already have a job waiting for you in the US.

I think drbabsok is already in the US though, I might be wrong. Seems he/she came into the US on an H1B visa, then the employer filed an EB2 visa on his behalf.

NotsonewMary:


I think drbabsok is already in the US though, I might be wrong. Seems he/she came into the US on an H1B visa, then the employer filed an EB2 visa on his behalf.

Oh. I see.

NotsonewMary:


Yipee, we have an approval story on the thread. Congrats drbabsok!

Did you file i140 and i485 concurrently? And was your application submitted at the Nebraska or Texas center. A couple of people have told me Nebraska is faster with processing than Texas that’s why I’m asking if you wouldn’t mind. Thanks!

You're right Nebraska is faster than Texas but you don't get to choose where you file. Your application and location will determine where you file.

[quote author=drbabsok post=116273041]I didn’t submit any recommendations. I only used my citations and number of publications.



[/quoote]

Thank you for your response.

[For noting] Revocation — On January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden revoked Executive Order 13780 and its related proclamations in Presidential Proclamation 10141.
Signed by: Donald Trump on March 6, 2017

[Implication] Nigerian granted I-410 would not have proceed with IVP.

[Caution] some site still list EO 13780 as active and Nigerians not eligible for entry if applying outside the US Travel
_________________
Ban/Executive Order 13780. Can I Still Obtain an
Employment-Based Green Card While I am Outside the U.S.?
If you are a citizen or national of Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya,
Somalia, Chad, North Korea, Venezuela, Nigeria, Burma,
Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Sudan, or Tanzania, you can still file your
I-140 petition while you are outside the U.S., and your
nationality or location should not affect your chances of I-140 approval.
However, the suspension of entry regulations do affect
applications for an immigrant visa. This means that you
may not be eligible to finish your “Immigrant Visa
Processing” (IVP) and obtain your immigrant visa unless
you qualify for an exception or waiver of the executive order.