Question:

I came across your website and I really appreciate what you and your team are doing.  I went through it in detail and would like to ask you a question. I am a PhD in Psychology. I did my doctorate in 2009 and have the 12 years rich experience of a behavioral trainer, corporate trainer and in various managerial positions. Now I am in the US on a H4 .Can I apply for Green card and if so under what category. I have been so confused after landing here.

Answer:

Thank you. Hope you had a chance to read the free eBook with commonly asked questions on our Web site. http://www.greencardforphd.com/freebook.html

EB1A and EB2_NIW are the two self-petition categories that do not require sponsorship. One of these could be appropriate depending on your background and the evidence you can put together. NIW is comparatively easier. You can look at the USCIS requirements for these categories to see which is most appropriate to you. Also seeing some example petitions will help.

Q1:

Thank you for the reply …I am referring to the e book…..Do I need to be a doctorate from USA only or have to do post doc   to apply. ? …..So my question stands now that as a person on H4 visa and having doctorate from another country, can I still self-petition for a green card? And when can I start this process for the year 2012.

Answer:

Yes you can apply. You do not need a PhD from the US. Also your H4 status is not a problem. One of a recent successful applicant has a PhD from Russia and was a postdoc. While a US postdoc helps, it is not necessary. You can start the process any time you feel confident about your I-140 evidence.

Q2:

Thank you so very much….the only problem in evidences I have that just after doing my PhD I came here so I don’t have publications, but I do have my training videos, work at high post and judging others in similar field. Will that work?

Answer:

If you are planning to try niw then you will need a coherent explanation of how this evidence supports US national interest.

EB1a is generally harder. You will need to come up with an explanation as to why your evidence is truly exceptional.

It is our experience that many people do not feel confident at the start but manage to find correct explanations and evidence. In your case you will have to explain importance of your merits with help of recommendations and videos.

You should also be aware of wait times in NIW for your nationality.