Hi Peter,
Thank you for the AMA! I am reposting here because my earlier comment was killed [0] and you probably haven't seen it.
I am a STEM postdoctoral researcher currently in the first year of my STEM OPT, and I am planning to apply for a green card in the coming months alongside my STEM OPT extension. After consulting with an immigration lawyer, I have been advised to pursue the NIW EB-2 category.
I would greatly appreciate your insights on the following questions:
1. Based on your experience, how would you rank the importance of the following evidence in supporting an NIW EB-2 application (from most to least important)?
- Citations
- Competitive awards and fellowships
- Experience as a peer reviewer
- Letters of recommendation
- Expert opinions (independent letters of recommendation)
- Research in an area of high importance to the United States
2. The legal fees quoted by my lawyer seem very high compared to figures I’ve found elsewhere online. Given my current severe financial constraints, I was wondering if you could share what you consider a reasonable range for all legal fees associated with an EB-2 application (NIW I-140 petition, Adjustment of Status, RFEs).
3. If you have worked with any immigration lawyers or firms that would be appropriate for cases like mine and that you would recommend, I would be very grateful for your suggestions.
Thank you so much for your time and advice. I truly value your perspective and any guidance you can provide as I navigate this process.
I am a STEM postdoctoral researcher currently in the first year of my STEM OPT, and I am planning to apply for a green card in the coming months alongside my STEM OPT extension. After consulting with an immigration lawyer, I have been advised to pursue the NIW EB-2 category.
I would greatly appreciate your insights on the following questions:
1. Based on your experience, how would you rank the importance of the following evidence in supporting an NIW EB-2 application (from most to least important)?
- Citations
- Competitive awards and fellowships
- Experience as a peer reviewer
- Letters of recommendation
- Expert opinions (independent letters of recommendation)
- Research in an area of high importance to the United States
2. The legal fees quoted by my lawyer seem very high compared to figures I’ve found elsewhere online. Given my current severe financial constraints, I was wondering if you could share what you consider a reasonable range for all legal fees associated with an EB-2 application (NIW I-140 petition, Adjustment of Status, RFEs).
3. If you have worked with any immigration lawyers or firms that would be appropriate for cases like mine and that you would recommend, I would be very grateful for your suggestions.
Thank you so much for your time and advice. I truly value your perspective and any guidance you can provide as I navigate this process.
0. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42772058