Finally, my 140 got approved! I have been waiting for this for so long, years!
Just received an email today saying my 140-NIW was approved. The petition package was submitted on Sept. 29. The receipt date is Oct. 13 and the approval date is Nov. 1.
Case: NIW, and DIY.
Background: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at a so-so US university, 14 papers (8 first author), >50 citations (citation is very important to show the impact), 10 presentations, 4 reference letters (1 govern agency, 1 industry, 1 current boss, 1 old boss)
I think the whole NIW processing is getting easier and faster now, especially at NSC. This is a good sign.
This forum is a big help. You can find and learn a lot of information from here. There are many nice people here are willing to help others by answering questions and posting messages.
The green card is really a long process for me. I’ve stayed in US for almost ten years. My first 140-NIW was denied three years ago, right during the toughest time after 9.11, even though I hired a lawyer at that time.
My feeling is, don’t be lazy. DIY! You should do a lot of background research about the green card processes. A lot of things can be found in the web. Hiring a lawyer can save you some time. But you know yourself best, and you will write a better petition letter than a lawyer. Moreover, no one else will be more responsible than yourself. So, I think the best way is to purchase a DIY package, and do it yourself, including the draft letters for the referees.
Even though 485 is still an unknown, 140 is still the first and most important step.
Many thanks to all the people here and
Good Luck to all!
Cheers!