u/Full_Cantaloupe_4560

Hi,

I am following the approval posts in this sub and noticed that everyone who gets approved has terrific research profile, has at least more than 50 citations.

Meanwhile, I have only 3 citations but surprisingly EP offered me a 6k offer with a refiling option (no refund) and Chen sent me some follow-up questions, which I just replied and waiting for their reply again. None of them rejected me to take my case. Now, I am genuinely curious as to if there is anyone who has too little amount citations like me gets approved or even if they go for filing.

Hello everyone,

So, I went to evaluate my profile with Ellis Porter and Chen. For context, I need to provide some details on my background. I am working as a Traffic Enginner for a local govt. and on my F1 OPT now. I have a US M.Sc on Transportation Engineering. I have some publications which are actually all conference papers and have only 3 citations. I secured an esteemed fellowship from a top-notch federal mandated transportation planning agency during my Master's studies also, I have worked with them to develop a framework according to their needs.

When I evaluated my profile, EP offered a 6k rate with an option to refile in case of denial, no refund btw. Chen sent me some additional questions on to how I can prove that my work is nationally important. Their exact questions were,

"To overcome this scrutiny, we must prove your work has broader implications. Your case is significantly stronger if you can demonstrate any of the following:

Alignment with National Priorities: Does your work advance Critical & Emerging Technologies (AI, Semiconductors, Biotech, Clean Energy), resolve Supply Chain bottlenecks, or improve Public Health/National Security?

U.S. Competitiveness: Does your work help the U.S. maintain a technological lead over global rivals (e.g., China/EU) or reduce reliance on foreign technology?

Knowledge Dissemination: Do you continue to conduct research, publish papers, present at industry conferences, or contribute code to open-source platforms that others in the field rely on?

Economic Impact: Does your work directly contribute to economic growth, such as generating significant revenue, improving U.S. productivity, or creating jobs for U.S. workers?"

My queries now,

1. Does EP provide the refund option only when they are enough confident about someone's profile? Or, have they shopped offering that due to current situation?
2. Given my profile, should I even file for an NIW right now or should I emphasize on making my profile better and then go for it?

Thank you for reading my long post and I am really looking forward what suggestions you have for me.