I am currently working in biomedical research at the NIH and I had filed my eb-2/niw (without I-485) at VSC on Jan 2004. According to the USCIS website they have processed NIW applications until Feb 5 2004. So, if everything goes well (fingers crossed) I should hear from the USCIS about my petition within a week or so, please correct me if I'm wrong here.
Meanwhile, my current visa status is F-1 (student) on a curricular practical training (CPT). I have been on CPT for the past 3.5 years and so my optional practical training (OPT), available to F-1 students is wiped out. I am about to defend my thesis on may 19. I will be out of status 30 days after that from what I understand. I need a work permit and adjust status in order to stay in this country.
My question is if I get an RFE on my EB-2/NIW, would it make sense to reply to that RFE or should I just go ahead and concurrently file a new application (I-140+I-485) in order to get a work permit to work somewhere else and stay in the country.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Meanwhile, my current visa status is F-1 (student) on a curricular practical training (CPT). I have been on CPT for the past 3.5 years and so my optional practical training (OPT), available to F-1 students is wiped out. I am about to defend my thesis on may 19. I will be out of status 30 days after that from what I understand. I need a work permit and adjust status in order to stay in this country.
My question is if I get an RFE on my EB-2/NIW, would it make sense to reply to that RFE or should I just go ahead and concurrently file a new application (I-140+I-485) in order to get a work permit to work somewhere else and stay in the country.
Thanks in advance for your help.