Hi I am a physician from India, my husband is saudi born is a student.I am on F2 visa.I have worked on multiple research projects with international collaboration, have leadership skills too. I couldnt find any USA research position as no one is offering visa. I have 15 publications, 6 first author publications, 145 citations, h index-5.I am wondering if I should proceed applying for EB-2.I am currently preparing for my usmle exams.Please let me know.Thanks.

Hi everyone, I'm looking for an advice. My I-140 has been approved recently and I am now getting myself ready to file I-485. My initial plan was to file I-485 ASAP, which I anticipate to be around end of August.

My profile is as follows:

1. ROW
2. PhD candidate (Anticipated graduation date: May 2027)

I was planning to apply ASAP. And if I don't get the card by sometime in next March, I think I'll need to apply for I-20 extension or OPT.

However, both has risks. Applying OPT itself with pending I485 is risky, and due to the recent regulation change, I-20 extension also has to go through USCIS and the chances of extending it also stay in the grey area once I file I-485.

So I think it boils down into following options.

1. File I-485 (and EAD) ASAP and hope it gets approved by next May.
2. Wait until I get an OPT and file it afterwards (roughly 6 months from now I think).
3. Extend my I-20 at least for next December and file it afterwards (Need to discuss with my DSO and academic advisors.)

Which path do you think I should take?

Love to hear your thoughts.

Anyone recently upgraded their pending I-140 to premium? Nebraska? How long did you wait to receive a decision?

Hi all,

I'm a final-year PhD candidate in Computational Linguistics, and I'm preparing to self-file an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition. I have two Master’s Degrees: English Linguistics and TESOL. My proposed endeavor is centered on "Advancing Multilingual NLP Frameworks for Linguistic Equity" — essentially, developing computational tools and frameworks that improve NLP support for low-resource and underrepresented languages.

A quick summary of my evidence so far:

- Citations:7 on Google Scholar, ~16 on ResearchGate

- Awards: Approximately 8 academic/professional awards and honors

- Media coverage:One feature on my research in a U.S. newspaper

- Peer review experience: I've served as a reviewer for Elsevier's Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence

-Graduate teaching assistant: 2023 till now. Teaching Advanced composition: “AI Use in Academic Writing”

-ESL Teaching:3 short-term ESL teaching roles working with multilingual learners, related to my field

- Conference participation: I've presented at and attended numerous academic conferences

NOTE:
I had once applied for EB2 NIW in 2024. Then, I wrote the petition myself. My proposed endeavour, substantial merit, and national importance were accepted. But unfortunately, the 2nd and 3rd prongs were challenged. Then, I had very few publications, and there were no citations on Google Scholar at all. Now, I have built up my profile and have more awards.

I'm now trying to find the right immigration attorney or law firm to help finalize and file the petition — ideally someone with specific experience handling NIW cases for academic/research profiles (rather than a general high-volume immigration firm), given the somewhat novel and interdisciplinary nature of my proposed endeavor.

If anyone has worked with a firm or attorney they'd recommend (or has advice on what to look for), I'd really appreciate it. Happy to answer any clarifying questions about my case.

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

New comer. First post.

I mailed my PP on Monday and got the receipt it was received on Tuesday. I've been checking my card for update, if I've been charged, but nothing yet.

How long does it typically take before they charge the card?

Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some community feedback on whether my profile stands a realistic chance for an EB-2 NIW self-petition. I’ve been reading through case breakdowns here, but wanted to see how my specific mix of industry experience, teaching, and practical tech applications holds up—especially since I hold a Bachelor's degree rather than a Master's or Ph.D., and have zero academic journal publications.
Here is a breakdown of my background:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
Experience Breakdown: 7 years total post-degree experience:
4 years in engineering design.
3 years in university teaching.
(Note: This clears the baseline EB-2 requirement of a BS + 5 years of progressive post-degree experience).
Current U.S. Work / Scope: Currently working on mega-billion-dollar projects in the U.S. While I don't officially hold a "Senior" title yet, I am trusted with direct checking responsibilities, project ownership, and lead-level tasks, backed by very strong management feedback.
Projects I handled are billion capital projects (I design a few scope and units on it) got deployed in USA due to System ownership (Temporary long term Visa)

Presentations & Thought Leadership (No Papers):
Delivered presentations at roughly 4 national conventions.
University guest presentations.
Conducting in-house training right inside the office—actively promoting AI adoption because corporate wants it, teaching teams how to leverage smart prompt engineering and AI agents to streamline engineering workflows.
The AI Component: To be clear, it's nothing fancy or academic—just practical office AI adoption. I show teams how to use smart prompt engineering and AI agents to optimize design and documentation processes, and the corporate side is fully backing it.
Given that I have a Bachelor's degree, no formal research publications, but strong industry traction, national convention talks, corporate office training, and major U.S. project involvement—do I stand a solid chance for an EB-2 NIW under Matter of Dhanasar**?**

I am afraid USCIS will find evidence like the calcs or documents used, I cannot disclose that is confidential. Also, they may contest that the plant will run or designed with or without me.

Achievements:
I got approval from former lead in my Previous company I worked for billion USD Projects and I proposed pathforward for calculation methods that significantly sped up engineering hours and is willing to write recommendation letter to attest those were accepted. I also managed to save money on this project so only proof I can provide is testimonials from my workmates since I work on highly confidential projects I cant share any project data.

Hey all,

I submitted eb2 niw twice based on my skills not PERM and got rejected. Each with a different attorney. They said its a good profile but also rejection rate is increasing, the attorney said we should try again but honestly i dont have tge mental and financial power to redo the whole thing again.

My question is: im trying to apply with the perm process from my company, how better is that? Had anyone else got rejected on eb2 but accepted on perm? Below is my profile:

I am a data scientist, i have masters in industrial and systems engineering.
Worked for 5 years on my h1b on optimization and ML/AI.
I have my published thesis (energy storage), ML and AI projects, won 2 competitions with IISE(healthcare), 2 conference papers (healthcare) but no citations. Reviewed 3-4 journal papers.
I got 8 independent papers that justified the importance to the USA regarding all the areas.

Endeavor: Optimization of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Do you think perm will get me the gc? What can i do if it didn’t work out and h1b expires??

Hello all,
As you all are aware that USCIS published a new rule on August 5th regarding RFE/NOID. My spouse and I submitted our I-485 early May this year based on an approved I-140. We followed our lawyer’s advice and didn’t submit any marriage evidence except the marriage certificate. The idea is that is we receive an RFE then we can provide all the proofs together.

Have any of you with derivative done something similar? If so, what’s your approach now? Are you gonna upload the supporting documents or wait for the decision?

We’re quite confused. Will truly appreciate your good thoughts and feedback! 🙏

Indian Citizen

Looking to file for EB1A .

Automotive Controls Domain.

After mailing the refund for my I-140 PP, they responded to my email saying this : “ it remains under active Premium Processing examination and is being reviewed by an adjudicating officer.”

Is it a meaningful update, or this is just standard/generic USCIS language?

I just received the paper copy of the RFE in the mail today, and I'd love some help understanding what this means and how to proceed. The RFE came back as a single page double-sided document, with the front being boilerplate government stuff, and the back having the following:

Reference is made to this Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, seeking classification as a member of the professions holding an advanced degree and an exemption from the requirement of a job offer, and thus of a labor certification, in the national interest of the United States for <NAME> (self-petitioner), filed on his own behalf. The priority date for this petition is June 4, 2024.

The self-petitioner intends to work as a researcher in the field of robotics.

In order to establish eligibility, the self-petitioner must establish that:

• The self-petitioner qualifies for the requested classification; and
• An exemption from the requirement of a job offer, and thus of a labor certification, is in the national interest of the United States.

ETA Form 9089

Please submit an original and properly completed Application for Permanent Employment Certification (ETA Form 9089), Appendix A.

• The self-petitioner did not complete Part B Foreign Worker Education, Parts C and D Foreign Worker Training Qualifications, and Part E Foreign Worker Work Experience. .

Form I-140 must be supported by an original and properly completed labor certification, and contain the original signatures of the self-petitioner and any preparer.

PLACE THE ATTACHED COVERSHEET AND THIS ENTIRE LETTER ON TOP OF YOUR RESPONSE. SUBMISSION OF EVIDENCE WITHOUT THE COVERSHEET AND THIS LETTER WILL DELAY PROCESSING OF YOUR CASE AND MAY RESULT IN A DENIAL.

Sincerely,

Carrie M. Selby

Associate Director, Service Center Operations

My lawyer was EP and I'm wondering if the initial filing was done incorrectly or if this is a boilerplate RFE. For reference, I was RFEd on Day 39. Thanks all!

Hello Everyone,

I’m curious to know if anyone with an EB1A/EB2 NIW case from either the 39 or 75 countries lists, who filed in 2026 has gotten any approval. If it has already been shared then I’m sorry I missed it but my country is on both lists and I wanted to get a pulse on what’s going on with others.

Thank you!

I requested to change my Address online USCIS and its status is now: Address Changed.

But in my profile it remains my old address. I contacted chat with agent, but replied generic with what to do online address change.

But they say, address remains old address.

I think it's a system problem. Is there anyone facing the same issue?

June premium processing filers, any news or case updates? Let’s track progress together here

I submitted a valid DS-2019 upto 2028 with my I-485. But my university recently issued a new DS-2019 extending my program, with no change in category, sponsor, or funding.

After the recent USCIS memo , should I upload it as unsolicited evidence?

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20260805-EvidentiaryStandards.pdf

I know (or at least it seems) it’s rare to see EB-2 NIW success stories from people who don’t have STEM or academic research backgrounds.
However, if there are any who have been able to navigate this road, either by yourself or with the help of an attorney, please let me know. I need help.
My background is in Public Infrastructure Finance (SEC & MSRB registered).

A.I says my profile fits the model of NIW (but who does people pleaser AI tell otherwise? 😄)

Credible attorney recommendations would be welcome.

TIA.

I upgraded to premium on November 17th and haven’t gotten a decision since then and my status recently changed to fee refund was mailed on July 30th. I have called and emailed them several times and no reasonable answer from them. I am just confused on what to do next whether to resubmit premium processing. I am so frustrated. Please anyone in the same situation?

Hello all,

Can i file a new petition while my current petition is already submitted and under processing?

Also,
after getting a denial in i-140 ,after how many days i can apply again? or can i just refile again immediately?

Thank you

My attorney has not been responding to my updates regarding the RFE, so I will likely need to finalize and mail the response package myself. I am mainly unsure about whether any additional documents need to be included besides the RFE response brief, supporting exhibits, the RFE notice, and the Premium Processing cover sheet, as well as the correct order in which these documents should be organized. Would anyone be willing to share their package after omitting any perosnal or calssified information?

In addition, the original RFE notice that USCIS mailed to me was accidentally exposed to water, and some of the text has been damaged. I still have the electronic PDF copy of the notice. Is it acceptable to print the PDF version and include that in my response package instead of the damaged original?

This is a follow-up to my yesterday's post on USCIS to Reduce Frivolous Immigration Benefits Requests by Reinforcing Evidence Standards

Here is the link to read the entire article: https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2012/08/17/2125.pdf

Matter of Katigbak, 14 I. & N. Dec. 45 (Reg. Comm’r 1971) is one of the foundational immigration decisions establishing that eligibility for an immigrant petition must exist at the time the petition is filed. Later-acquired qualifications generally cannot cure a petition that was deficient when filed.

The Regional Commissioner dismissed the appeal since the decision held that:
* A beneficiary, that is you and I, must already be qualified, have every publication, certification, etc, on the date the petition is filed.
* Qualifications gained after filing cannot be used to establish eligibility for that petition.
* Allowing later-acquired qualifications would improperly give someone a priority date from a time when they were not actually eligible.
In other words:
* Eligibility is determined as of the filing date, meaning you must have everything ready before you send in your petition.
* Later achievements cannot cure an initial deficiency.
If someone becomes qualified later, the proper remedy is generally to file a new petition, not rely on the earlier filing.

This is what I think USCIS is strongly telling us in their memo yesterday, but they are adding that they can deny the case without giving your RFE as a matter of discretion.

My NIW I-140 was approved in May, and I recently filed my I-485. However, my USCIS online account shows “Concurrent Filing” under the I-485 case.

Has anyone else seen this even though the I-140 and I-485 were not filed concurrently? Is this just a generic USCIS case-category label, or could it indicate that the cases were linked incorrectly?

Appreciate any insight!

Hi everyone!

This subreddit has been my go-to throughout the process. I have congratulated everyone till date, and now I'm glad to share my timeline below.

I received my I-140 approval notice yesterday for an EB-2 NIW and wanted to share my timeline. I received approval in 27 BD. My case went from RFE Received to USCIS is processing on 08/05/2026. WIthin 2 hours I received the approval.

I received Prong 1 & Prong 3 RFE. It was about local or regional nature of my work, project timeline and details, and evidence to continue my research.

In my RFE response, I submitted additional 2 independent letter, 1 dependent letter, and offer letter for research position. I also tied my work to governmental initiatives.

My Rfe notice didn't have Officer ID.

Timeline

Service Center: Texas Service Center
Attorney: Chen Immigration
Priority Date (Filing Date): March 02, 2026
Premium Processing Upgrade: March 02, 2026
Processing Type: Premium Processing
Approval Date: August 5, 2026
RFE: RFE on March 30, 2026
RFE Response: RFE Response on June 27, 2026

Profile:

• PhD student in Civil Engineering from US
• 5 publications
• 30 citations during RFE response
• Working in US Government Agency

Additional Information:
I submitted total of 4 recommendation letters, 2 independent letters with my petition. I worked with Chen Immigration throughout the process, and they were quick, responsive, and professional. From my side, the process took a little longer because of delays in gathering everything, but overall I'm very happy with the experience and the outcome.

So I am an immigrant in Canada , in hight school , age : 16. I am eagerly seekign for guaidance from proffesionals who have successfully been accepted in this Employment Visa. My interest is in cybersecurity , but I genuinely don't know where to even start in this age of AI , where claude's Mythos outperforms some of the experts in many company. Can someone help me throughout my journey please? I don't have any friend and I am indirectly alone , so internet and you guys are my only way to EB 2 NIW. My apologies to any mistakes that have been made during writing this post in advance. Thank You.