u/boi_axa19

Have been a long-time observer of this sub and everyone has been super helpful, so trying to give back.

Profile:

STEM Ph.D. with ~2 years industry experience before pursuing higher education. Discipline - Electrical Engineering. Dissertation submission pending at the time of case adjudication.

5 Criterion Claimed:

1. Scholarly publications: 12 papers, 250+ citations.
2. Original contributions: 3 patents (1 granted, 2 pending).
3. Critical role: a) Team lead during my time in the industry (startup); led to 350k+ mass-manufactured devices. b) Research lead during my time in academia, led to patents.
4. Awards: Journal prize paper recipient.
5. Judging: 40+ peer reviews for Q1 journals in the discipline.

3 Dependent and 2 Independent Referees:

1. Ph.D. supervisor -> Covered significance of published work, patents, and the critical role.
2. R&D project supervisor; industry-academia collab (Engineering Director) -> Attested to research outcomes and patent during Ph.D.
3. Former manager (CTO) -> Covered significance of the industry work and the innovations in design + ensuring mass-manufacturability of the devices.
4. [Independent] Professor 1 (Authored gold-standard textbook in the field) -> Attested the significance and potential of published work and patents.
5. [Independent] Professor 2 (EIC of the journal that awarded the prize) -> Attested the award adjudication process and why I would be likely to be chosen as a reviewer.

Schedule:

• End of Jan (T0): Received offer, engaged lawyers (Cannot name them).
• T0 + 1 week: Consolidated all evidence, reached out to 15 renowned experts for independent referrals. Only the top 2 choices replied, rest ignored me - I got lucky.
• T0 + 2 weeks: Draft letters received and reviewed by me. Sent for signatures to referees.
• T0 + 5 weeks: Signed letters received.
• 03/23 - Receipt date: Vermont Service Center with Premium Processing.
• 04/09 - Petition Approved.
• 04/27 - Lawyers received I-797 Approval Notice; booked appointment in the country where I am pursuing the Ph.D. (Not home country, but is country of residence).
• 05/01 - Consular Interview (They asked for original AN during intake); Interview summary below:
  • Why are you extraordinary?
    • Clarified the field of work. Mentioned papers, patents, and prize.
  • When are you completing your Ph.D.?
    • Answered.
  • What is your role and what will you work on?
    • Explained.
  • What is the company?
    • Answered.
  • Asked me if I have a threat of persecution in country of nationality or residence.
    • Answered no.
  • Officer mentioned that the visa is approved and that it will be received within a week. CEAC status "Approved" immediately after interview.
• 05/04 - CEAC status "Issued" and passport was shipped.
• 05/05 - Passport received.