I’m currently on STEM OPT and planning to apply for EB-2 NIW (I-140). I had a couple of questions:
Would really appreciate insights from anyone who has gone through a similar situation. Thanks!
Wanted to share my timeline in case it helps someone.
EB2 PERM (ROW), priority date April 9, 2024. PERM approved Sep 15, 2025.
I-140 filed with premium processing on Dec 3, 2025, RFE issued Dec 10 for biometrics/address update, responded and approved Feb 13, 2026.
I-485 filed concurrently Dec 3, 2025, biometrics completed Dec 29, 2025, no I-485 RFE and no interview. Case was moved to a non-local field office (San Jose), Emma indicated interview waived (never showed in status). IOE09348 block.
I was on F2 status (spouse of F1), and my spouse is the dependent on my EB2 case. I was also listed as a dependent on a his pending asylum case. Additionally, I was picked in the H1B lottery last year and the petition was filed (no premium processing), still pending.
Domestic violence charge in 2021 dismissed after completion of a pre-trial diversion program. Total FTA0 events: 3, and the case was approved about 24 hours after the 3rd FTA0.
• Dec 3, 2025 → I-140 (PP) + I-485 filed
• Dec 10, 2025 → I-140 RFE
• Dec 29, 2025 → Biometrics
• Feb 13, 2026 → I-140 approved
• Mar 13, 2026 → silent update
• Mar 18, 2026 → silent update
• Apr 10, 2026 → third FTA0 event
• Apr 11, 2026 → Case Approved
Need help understanding EB2/EB3 mechanics after an acquisition:
- Original employer filed EB2, PD: 12/31/2014
- Later downgraded to EB3
- I-485 filed in Jan 2021 under EB3 and still pending
- EAD/AP issued
- Company was acquired
- New employer filed 485J to continue the same/similar job offer under portability after the acquisition
- No new PERM / I-140 yet from new employer yet
Goal: be fully prepared when PD becomes current.
Questions:
- Is a new EB2 I-140 really required if EB2 starts moving faster?
- Does pending 485J block filing EB2 I-140?
- Can USCIS approve I-485 with EB2 I-140 still pending, or must I-140 be approved first?
- Can EB3-based I-485 stay untouched unless transfer of basis is requested?
- Any downside if both EB2 and EB3 paths exist?
Looking for process/mechanics insight, not legal advice.
Do you feel it’s easier to get approved when your endeavor has a clear, measurable economic impact, like reducing costs, or when the value is more about contributing skills, knowledge, or people, like training others, even if it’s harder to quantify?
Which of these two options would you say is better: one that focuses on measurable financial impact, or one that focuses on training or creating an impact that isn’t necessarily financially measurable? Thanks
When writing the endeavor proposal, how much detail does USCIS actually expect? For example, if I say I will work with organizations, do they expect me to name specific ones? And if so, would they also expect letters or some kind of correspondence from them?
On the other hand, if I keep it more general and don’t name them, is that something that could be scrutinized or weaken the case?
Last year I heard from a lot of people whose petitions were not detailed and some USCIS officers were sending RFEs asking for corresponce showing interest or a more detailed plan of action, but the petitioners just sent carbon copies, another officer received and approved. Does that work on 2026? Is the bar higher? What do USCIS officers want? A clear plan of action year by year with the institutions involved and letters of interests included? Or the plan can be more brief? Thanks
Hello, lets say my endeavor is about reducing costs in the public sector or whatever... how much is usually considered meaningful for the national interest? I know it varies a lot by field, but since the standard is “national” impact, I assume many cases ultimately relate to very large numbers.
Is there any sense of a floor in practice? Are we talking about something like $500K, $500M, or much higher? Curious how people think about this in real cases.