NIW - Mechanical Engineering with Previous IT experience

T

thuron

Registered Users (C)
Hello Guys,

Can somebody please help me out. I am a PhD graduate in Mechanical Engineering. I had Bachelors and Masters as well in Mech. Engg. After my PhD, I worked for one year as postdoc and then, due to unavoidable situations, I had to shift to IT Consulting for 2 years. Then I found job in my own field and for the past one year I am in my own field.

1. PhD in mechanical Eng with 25 publications, (5 journal papers, 11 primary author conference
papers)
2. 12 Citations of my work in journal publications by other researchers
3. One Book Chapter (as secondary author)
4. Research in the area of Biotechnology/Medicine and Pollution Control in Automotive Industry
5. 5 Recommendation letters from renowned people
6. Worked on research grants funded by NSF, ONR, ARL, DOE.


Can somebody tell me if my qualifications make a good candidate for NIW? Does my previous IT experience cause any adverse effect on the outcome?

Thanks a lot again.

Srini S.
 
You need to have your credentials reviewed by an attorney experienced in this type of petition for proper analysis of your potential for success.

Your inability to locate a proper position and your working in IT while having a PhD in ME does not speak well to your perceived potential by employers. Your research area combination does not make any sense. If you were not the principal investigator on the grants but worked on them as a grad student or post doc, I'd say they are of no consequence.

I suggest that you speak with your employer about sponsorship.
 
IT position. Hmm.. sounds wierd.

It seems to me that you jumped to an IT job just because it was the popular H1 path. By doing so you made it extremely difficult to prove your self for NIW. If you are so good as you say you are in your field, you don't need to go to another field. This alone is more than sufficient to deny your case.
I respect anyone'e dreams. But your approach was something an intending migrant (EB profeesional) should never do
 
As things stand now, I would say unfortunately your chances are slim. EB1-OR is a good option though.

In engineering, applicants usually go for scholarly article, contribution to the field, and judge of work of peers. I can see how you could satisfy the first criterion but not others.

In any case, if you decide to go for it, get at least 6-8 letters.
 
Thanks guys. But I had to shift to IT due to the gap between my OPT expiration and H1B start date (Oct 1st) as I couldnt find employer is my field who would be flexible with these immigration rules. Also this is in 2006 and there was no cap-gap relief as now.

Thanks
 
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