Hi Olaosunt: Thanks for your responses. My USICIS J1 waiver has been approved upon the VA/DOS recommendation and the H1B is pending with the VSC (regular processing). Technically I am still in J1 status.
While waiting for H1B approval I am studying for the boards and want to apply for the EB-2/NIW by myself.
Q1) Is it a good idea to get an attonery involved?
I did not use an attorney.I personally feel the process is straight foward enough if you have the time.my wife is however very savy with the whole process and I must confess she did most of the paper work.
Q2) What papers I will be needed from the VA (I dont want to involve them too much!).
you need 1. "a letter of agreement" which describes your job,states your start date,Salary the number of hours you will work,that it is full time e.t.c
It should also state that although appointments can only be made initially for 3 years this can be renewed for another 3 years and fulfills the NIW documentation requirements established for the VA purposes.Just tell your HR what you want the letter to say.It does needs to be signed by yourself and someone who can write contract agreemnts for the VA, for example mine was signed by a"manager business support services"
]2.A letter of support,stating that your job is in the national interest.This is very similar to the letter they would have sent to the DOS supporting your waiver petition.
Q3) How does a VA employee meet the requirement of "employment contract for 5 years (dated within 6 months)"? All I have from the VA is an offer letter stating that I have a position beginning July 1, 2006 (Letter date October 2005) and that VA looksforward to having me as a permanent member of their family. H1B filed by them is for 3 years, I assume.
[see above.I could fax copies of the letters I used if you like.
Q3) If you went through an attorney and found him good..please suggest me the contact information in a private message or write to me -- NEEL271 AT YAHOO DOT COM.
my wife may charge you a fee!(joke)
Thanks.