Hi all,

I am a PhD graduate from a good university and my field is related to natural resources. I am currently on OPT and working as a postdoc, but the current appointment is short-term. I can't change to H1B from my current work. I applied to several places but doesn't seem like I will get any response (at least none so far). I have few journal publications (some are cited several times), several conference proceedings and extension publications. I have also secured several small grants. So, I am seriously considering for EB2 NIW.

I talked to an immigration lawyer and seems like I can make a case. I know few individuals who successfully made their case, but they had H1B. I am looking for individuals who can share their EB2 NIW experience while on OPT. I did some research but could not find information on NIW cases while on OPT. I know the risks of applying while on OPT. I am NOT looking for suggestions but I would be grateful if you could share your EB2 NIW experience WHILE ON OPT if there is anyone.

Thanks in advance.

 Sparty,
Yes, he is from New York. 

Congratualtion Bengalitiger ! and best of luck to others who have applied or working for it.

I am also currently working to file EB2 NIW with the help of an attorney and now waiting for recommendation letters.
Here is what I have,

1. 17 peer reviewed journal publications (10 first author  including 1 invited paper and 1 review article & 7 second author), 2 under review (first author) and 2 will be submitted within 1 month
2. 12 non-refereed conference proceedings (8 first author, 4 second author)
3. Around 20 independent citations (since most of my publications are from either 2010 or 2011 so they are relatively new)
4. Around 50 conference presentaions (talks and posters)
5. Currently working on H1B Visa in a prestigeous medical school in a NIH funded project (cancer research)
6. Four invited lectures
7. Reviewed papers for 2 journals
8. Member of 2 scientific societies (easy one)
9. Have couple of awards from scientific societies for best presentaions/posters 

I talked with couple of attoneys and all of them are positive about my application. I am getting recommendation from 3 independent experts in my field and 2 from my circle. My lawyer says having too many recommendations will not make the application strong, 4-5 strong recommendation should be enough.

The only thing I am little bit concerned is about the number of independent citations that I have so far. Can somebody suggest me the experience if they have regarding the effect of low number of citaions in EB2 NIW application? And what is the application processing time these days for Texas service center? 

To be in safe side, I am not going for concurrent filing.