I got my Ph.D. from a top university at the end of last year and started my
postdoc in the same group right away. My work focuses on some technology that
would be very useful in national security. The project has been funded by DOE
for many years and also got funds from DOD DTRA in the recent years. A patent
application (half under my name) is under way. I have one conference paper and
three publications in the top journal in my field - the most recent one published
world-leading results and will for sure receive many citations. I probably can
get a recommending letter from DOE.
Should I apply NIW now? Or later with more publications, citations and patent
approved?
Should I wait for a while to apply as outstanding researcher after I transfer
to a formal position? Does my research experience as research assistant when
I was a Ph.D. student count for the 3-year full-time research experience required
by EB1?
Thanks a lot for your help.