NewStats: 3,263,923 , 8,181,894 topics. Date: Sunday, 08 June 2025 at 07:03 PM 4u494j

aksmart2:


Please kindly confirm there were some cases that were updated on the 14th of May 2025. Kindly check your page to see when your case was updated last

Hi, is the standard processing for IW now “Refused” status right after “Application Received”?. My mum’s status was updated to “Refused” on the 14th. The status message further read that the refusal status might be for istrative processing, which means the case could later be adjudicated after the istrative processing is completed (I guess that’s what happened with @Dixoxoxo’s case who was later approved without being interviewed).

Of the cases you know of that were updated on the 14th, do you know anyone whose IW status was updated to “approved” or “issued”?. Thanks!

Seemeseejoy:
EB-1 approval email just entered.
Please what is the next thing to do?

Raise the rooooffffff!!
Haha, Congrats !🍾🎊

Dixoxoxo:
I did send them 2 emails explaining my situation and requesting an update but I did not receive any response and not sure if it even made a difference!

Hi, you’re F-1 visa right? Were you the one that wrote that you’re currently on OPT?
If yes, is your current employment done remotely. Excuse my curiosity lol, just wondering how you’ve been able pull this off while still on OPT without being physically in the US.

PS: Hope you’re considering EB1/EB2 if you have plans to stay in the US post-study.
Check my timeline, I started a thread on employment based immigration sometime in 2022 and it has lots of info that you might find useful along the way.

All the best!

Dixoxoxo:
Hi guys, I am just providing an update on my visa to give hope to those who are still waiting. I submitted my port for renewal on the 3rd of April and here is my timeline.

Submitted: April 3rd
App received: April 8th
Refused status: April 22nd
istrative processing: May 6th
Approved: May 6th (no interview, I was praying to God everyday to change my refused to approved and he Delivered!!)
Issued: May 7th
Current status: Waiting for pick up mail

Overall, it took a little over a month to get here and I am sharing so those of you still waiting can have an idea of the current timeline for IW. Keep your faith and keep praying and It will surely come out!

Congratulations!!!
Now you’ve given hope to the rest of us.
Safe travels.

Teju2014:


I am yet to receive mine too. 5weeks counting.

This is becoming something else.
Does anyone have an idea what might be causing the delay?

Cc: NBako, Gbol123

NBako:


Nothing yet .. this is week 3 now

Hi NBako

Got any new update?

Gbol123:
Hi NBako

I have same issue. I submitted on 7/4 shows received since 8/4 nothing yet. My wife did earlier in March got hers in a week. My son was at the Embassy on the 17th got his visa in a week and port picked up already.

Hi Gbol’
Have you received any update on your application?

Cityview12:
Hi Mary, Any update yet? I am also in the same shoe.

Nothing yet. Honestly, at this point, I don’t even know what to think of this delay.
Hopefully, whatever is causing the delay gets resolved pretty soon!

NBako:
Hello everyone, hope we had a lovely Easter break .. just wanted to find out if anyone who submitted via IW this April in Lagos has gotten any .. I submitted on the 10/4 nothing so far just shows received since the 11. Is Lagos this slow usually Abi it’s just this April batch 🤣

Hi, have you received any update on your application?

Hi all,

Has anyone who submitted an IW application in recent time, particularly at the Lagos embassy been approved?

I’m asking because it seems the wait time in Lagos has been elongated. My mum’s application still says “application received” and it’s been almost 3 weeks now since it was submitted.

Does anyone have an inkling on what might be going on?
Has the process changed?
Are they considering scrapping IW Dropbox or something?

Dixoxoxo:
Hi, no I am still waiting. Any updates for you?

Nope!, still waiting as well.
Status is still “Application Received”.

Hopeful for some positive news this week.🙏🏽

Dixoxoxo:
Yes, my own says application received since last week Monday but no movement since then

Hi, did you get any update on your application yet?

Dixoxoxo:
I sent my own in on the 3rd in Lagos and no movement till today....please pray for me!!

You’re not alone, my mum sent hers since 4th as well, no movement at all.
I think Lagos is just generally slow with processing. My mum’s last renewal was in Abuja, and it was fast. This Lagos one get as e be.

groovychik:
For Interview Waiver, port was dropped at OIS Tuesday, the 8th. Thursday, 10th status showed Aporoved, 11th it showed Issued. Today was sent email for collection. Hopefully in the next 5 years, avits would have improved or been a thing of the past as it is confusing

Congrats!!

earthrealm:


If you have scheduled a dropoff date on avits...then go to ois and schedule another dropoff date...on same date.
The avits date is superior and usually what they check inside the ois office..but the security at the gate check for ois ..to avoid any wahala..simply book ois date to match ur avits...time isnt important, just date

Thanks!

Hello house,

Please I have a follow up question, for those that have recently successfully completed the interview waiver Dropbox process.

Do I have to schedule another document drop-off appointment via the OIS website? I recall that on the AVITS website, I picked the free drop off option (in Lagos ) for my mum.
Now, I see another separate appointment automatically scheduled for the day BEFORE the actual date that I picked. Will this be the date to go drop off documents at the OIS office in Lagos or do I have to schedule this separately?

Looking forward to your insight!, Thanks all.

groovychik:
Keep the faith. Keep checking mostly weekends. Mine expired April 8th 2024, saw no dates for IW in Abuja and Lagos. On a Wednesday, lagos dates for 18th till May were released, still no Abuja dates and 18th won't have worked as I would no longer be qualified. I prayed oh, I prayed hard and last week, late Sunday, I saw dates for Abuja. First date there was 8th of April and I quickly booked. So keep checking

Bae!!!!
I have kept THE Faith!!!, and it has WORKED!!!🙏🏽

Just found April 4 by some miracle!, this week oh, isn’t this God toooo sweet!🙂

Thanks again for your input, have a blessed week ahead!✌🏽

Mamabella:
Good day everyone, please I need some clarification . I flew from Houston to lagos and one of my luggage was missing . I had to be calling back to back both their call rep here in Nigeria and in the US. After 2 weeks they found the bag. However the airport in lagos iS asking mi to come pick up my bag at the Airport..please is that how it's supposed to be
?
I thought they were supposed to bring it to my address since it was no fault of mine . I.will appreciate your response .thank you.

My sister, I want to ask pe, shay you don’t have any valuables in the bag ni??🤷🏻‍♀️
Izzz like you don’t need this bag oh, or boya you’re “new” to the Nigerian system de ni. Lol😘

groovychik:
Keep the faith. Keep checking mostly weekends. Mine expired April 8th 2024, saw no dates for IW in Abuja and Lagos. On a Wednesday, lagos dates for 18th till May were released, still no Abuja dates and 18th won't have worked as I would no longer be qualified. I prayed oh, I prayed hard and last week, late Sunday, I saw dates for Abuja. First date there was 8th of April and I quickly booked. So keep checking

Encouraging! Thank you🙏🏽

Helpout12345:


1. You can't use Canada evaluation to file I140 for EB. You will have to WES again to evaluate your credentials to US equivalent.

2. On your chance, your endeavor is sounding like "A chemistry teacher" with 2 co authored papers. I think you have about 50pct chance of approval for NIW depending on the officer reviewing your case and how you package the application.

3. Your master degree will have helped but it's not in Chemistry.

4. To improve your chances, try to study the criteria for EB2 more and work on more areas to improve your chances.

the big question the officers look for is "what have you done with your degree that is significant to warrant US national interest and waive job offer requirement. And can you continue to do those significant things when you enter the US.

Now as a Chemistry teacher, how outstanding are you as a Chemistry teacher? Do you have documented evidences to prove how outstanding you have been as a Chemistry teacher? Papers you published, how significant is the information shared in those papers? Who are using it now ? What is potential use in future?

M’ogarrrr (in Israel DWM’s voice) 🙌🏾
Good to see you back on the TL. Was genuinely worried about you at some point when you were MIA, before o went MIA as well. lol
Glad to read from you! Blessed week ahead!

NotsonewMary:


Congrats!!

Oops, I meant congrats to @Abbyfx🙂

adedammy009:
Wow...this is goodnews. Congratulations

Congrats!!

Hello house,

I’m trying to get an IW dropbox appointment for my mum, for some reason I thought the timerange to qualify for IW was 24 months only to see that it’s been reduced to 12 months.

Anyways, her most recent US visa expired on April 15, 2024. The earliest submission date I see on the portal right now (for IW) is April 23, 2025.

Do you think it’s possible to get a dropbox date before April 15, I’m really keeping faith alive!🙂

scipy:
Hi NotsonewMary
I have a question, i observed there is a mention of having a Bachelors and 5 year work experience in the “specialty” being mentioned in the RFE (they are quoting the criteria anyway).
So since my background is in Electrical engineering, just want to check with you how i could show evidence this degree is related to the field which I’m petitioning for.

I have earlier submitted my transcript and mentioning courses which i offered in school that relates to my endeavor but I wouldn’t know if there is anything else I could explore to tie up this end

Any suggestions are welcome

Hi, I replied yesterday but my profile was temporarily banned by the spambot, I guess because of the links.

Now to your question:

Matching your background with your proposed endeavor is tricky but you can find your way around it by being smart.

You did the right thing by mentioning the computer and IT related courses that you took during your bachelor’s degree in ENGINEERING that are related to your endeavor. (You don’t need to elaborate on the “electrical engineering ” concentration in your petition since it’s not really going to help, you need to work smart!).

Next, you should probably find a way to use the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to your advantage. See link here; https://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm

Go through all the occupations listed in the engineering and the computer/information technology fields and then decide on which one best requires both engineering and computer/IT educational knowledge to use to argue your case. (Computer Network Architect: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm, might be a good fit), but you know better, cos IT no be my field lol.

What was your SOC Code on your I-140 form for your proposed endeavor? Did you pick an IT related or engineering related code?

bharkarh:
thank you for this link. I have a master’s degree in finance and ing + a 6 year ing work experience. Am I eligible for the EB2NIW?

Hi, apologies for the late response.

Yes, you meet the basic eligibility criteria by possessing an advanced degree (your master’s degree).

However, you still need to satisfy the 3 prong requirements of the national interest waiver (you can read about these 3 prong requirements in previous pages of the thread or check the USCIS policy manual).

What’s next for you is to have a “proposed endeavor”. I’ll recommend that this should be something related to your field such that you can easily relate it to your current and/or past work experience to show that you’re well-positioned to carry out this endeavor.

See links below to give you ideas of endeavors in finance, you can also do a google or YouTube search for more ideas.

-https://www.akinalaw.com/blog/58/eb-2-niw-approved-for-a-client-in-the-field-of-business-and-financial-analytics

-https://eb2niw.info/2023/03/06/eb2-niw-success-story-mohamed-a-finance-expert/
-https://legalservicesincorporated.com/immigration/national-interest-waiver/national-interest-waiver-niw-strategy-for-finance-professionals/

scipy:
Great guide here NotsonewMary, I am very grateful for taking your time to help provide guidance on this.
I would definitely be going this direction as you have stated. I see further opportunity to give more evidences especially on the 5 years of progressive experience. Thanks so much for your response.
I am grateful once again

You’re welcome!, It’s a lot of work and evidence gathering/compiling. I’m rooting for you, you gat this!!.

scipy:
Hehe thanks for this tbh! I honestly am so taken aback by what I am reading in the RFE compared to the petition submitted.
I concede the point where it might have probably also been a case where I did not do a fantastic job on the flow of my story, but then that is where I probably would appreciate a second pair of eyes to read through my content

I will try to respond to your questions as much as I can without giving a longwinded response

1). What was your proposed endeavor? - It was focused on helping to strategise and implement AI and Cloud related projects for organisations in the US

2). What is your highest level of education? (hmm this is another potential wahala tbh) I have a bachelors so used the Bachelors + 5 years progressive experience.

3). Are you currently employed?, if yes? What do you do? Is your current employment related to your proposed endeavor? Currently employed and it is related yes.

4). Did you apply as an advanced degree holder or exceptional ability? I pushed for both and both was faulted, cos I submitted my unofficial copy of wes evaluation for my degree so they faulted my advanced degree, and of course exceptional ability - they were mentioning that I did not submit things which were right there in my exhibits like certifications, recommendation letters etc. I am keen to defend my advanced degree more, as that is well within reach compared to the exceptional ability criteria

5). Is your proposed endeavor of substantial merit/ national importance? If yes? How did you show it? Did you have sufficient government articles to back it up? Did you include these articles as part of your exhibits?
-Economic importance/impact of your proposed endeavor (cost benefits etc)
-Is the US Government making any efforts on the things your proposed endeavor addresses
I did all of these, whitehouse press releases, exec orders, fact sheets etc were all referenced and cited. I spoke about how my endeavor would impact the US economy, create jobs, impact national security etc.

Thanks once again for your words of encouragement and contribution - I am grateful

Hi again @Scipy,

The best way to show you have an advanced degree is to actually have an indisputable advanced degree (Master’s degree or PHD).
Now, USCIS says for those without an actual advanced degree, a Bachelor’s degree + 5 years of progressive experience in that specialty is equivalent to an advanced degree.

In your case, you’re proving two preliminary things;
1.) Foreign bachelor’s degree equivalency, by submitting:
- Your actual bachelor’s degree certificate
- Your transcript from school you received your bachelor’s degree
- Foreign degree equivalency of your degree

Additional evidences that can help are:
- A printed copy of the world ranking of the university you had the degree from or something showing information about your school
- A printed copy of information about WES or the organization that did your degree evaluation
(In response to your RFE, you might want to do another degree evaluation with another independent institution. A friend had to do this when USCIS queried his WES evaluation).
- Did you receive any awards upon graduation/ while in school and have proof of it with your university name boldly written? It could come in handy here as well.

Now, moving to the “at least 5 years of progressive experience”, you have to go all out with showing your evidence. First thing you need to note is that the qualifying years of experience must be post graduation. Only a copy of your CV would not suffice here, you need more proof.
- Did you submit a copy of your dated letters of employment or offer letter
- Are you able to get any proof of employment from the places you’ve worked post graduation?
-Are these places able to attest to your roles and responsibilities while working with them plus show that you worked full-time
- Do you have any letters of promotion/ proof of progress in your speciality? Please note that these letters should have the letterhead of these organizations for authenticity!
- Are you able to submit copies of your pay-stubs from the organization you worked with?
- Did you submit any printed copies of information about the organizations you work/have worked with? To show what they do and how it’s related to your specialty and/or proposed endeavor.

The burden of proof rests on you, and you have to do it well, because USCIS will question those years of experience.

Please see links below for additional pointers:

-https://www.hooyou.com/lc/articles/advanced-degrees.html
-https://immigrationofficesolutions.com/perm-employer-sponsored-green-card/progressive-experience-for-eb2-perm/

If you decide to go with the exceptional ability criterion, then you’ll have to satisfy 3 out of the 6 criteria listed in the USCIS Policy manual.

You need to decide which one you want to go for, i.e., (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability) and explicitly state that in your response.

Like I said, you have a strong proposed endeavor. However, no matter how nationally important a proposed endeavor is, you must FIRST satisfy the preliminary eligibility criteria.

Your petition letter must have a good flow with clear sections and subheadings. The first section should be showing your “Eligibility for EB2-NIW Classification”, with subheadings like;
1) Foreign Degree Equivalency
2) Proof of X Years of Work Experience in My Specialty
2a) My work experience at Organization A from year…. to year….
2b) My work at Organization B from …. to …….

Also, when you’re writing about the 3 prong requirements, everything must be well put together and organized, with your exhibits/ evidences properly numbered.

Wish you all the best!

Hi @scipy, I have a couple of thoughts and pointers. Will be back soon today to write once I have some time.

But note these first
1) Your proposed endeavor is a really good one, there’s even a recent executive order from the president to back it up
2) EB2 preliminary qualification is based on having:
- Advanced Degree OR Exceptional Ability

You can’t say you pushed for both and expected the reviewing officer to decide which one it should be, naah!. The onus lies solely on you to decide which one you want to go with.

2) If you decide to go with the advanced degree option, you have A LOT of work to do to convince the officer since you have a Foreign bachelor’s degree ( which will be deeply scrutinized), plus the at least 5 years of PROGRESSIVE work experience, post graduation (emphasis on progressive and post-graduation).
You need to go to town with all your evidences in this regard. It’s not small evidence you’ll show oh my brother/sister lol.

You need a strong and very convincing petition letter with a preponderance of evidence!!, Like, the evidence must choke.

Will be back with some additional pointers.

scipy:
I gave the USCIS a call and they were able to send the RFE document to me via email.

Which leads me to another point -

Is processing = Rushed Shabby Adjudication?

I’d paid for processing for my petition and after skimming through the RFE they sent, I must say I am highly disappointed.

There are several references to things which are not related to my profile at all, which appears to be a copy and paste error on the part of the adjudicator.

There were also several mentions of evidences which I already submitted as missing / not submitted.

Overall it appears there was no careful read-through of my petition and this is VERY disappointing.

Really gives me concern that even if I take the effort to respond to this RFE, will they carefully consider it on its merit and not do some rushed shabby work again?

I am really concerned and conflicted at this point whether to let the EB2 dream go or give it one last try!

I would welcome any viewpoints of people who have faced similar issues before or have any useful guidance.

Thanks in anticipation!

Hmmmm…..

I have so many thoughts to share on this, and I’m afraid I can’t put it all into writing.

I’m almost tempted to ask you to send me your initial petition letter and the RFE document for a review: but I don’t want to start what I can’t finish (and time is money!).

I have a couple of questions though, and this will inform my next steps of tips/“guidance” for you.
1). What was your proposed endeavor?
2). What is your highest level of education?
3). Are you currently employed?, if yes? What do you do? Is your current employment related to your proposed endeavor?
4). Did you apply as an advanced degree holder or exceptional ability?
5). Is your proposed endeavor of substantial merit/ national importance? If yes? How did you show it? Did you have sufficient government articles to back it up? Did you include these articles as part of your exhibits?
-Economic importance/impact of your proposed endeavor (cost benefits etc)
-Is the US Government making any efforts on the things your proposed endeavor addresses e.g if your proposed endeavor is on HIV prevention, you need to show articles on HIV prevention strategies/efforts already in place by the US government and provide congress or presidential articles to back it up
- Did you provide useful statistics/economic burden of whatever it is you’re proposing?

6). Did you correctly highlight your points on how you’re well positioned to carry out your proposed endeavor and provide ing evidence for it.
-Education/Skills
-Successful past work similar to or related to your endeavor ( any awards/publications/prizes etc)
- Certifications related to your proposed endeavor
- Evidence or proof that you plan to continue to work in the field of your proposed endeavor
- Track record to show that you’re committed to continually improving your knowledge in the area of your proposed endeavor (Are you currently working in that field, are you taking any courses, hip in professional associations etc)
- Has your past work garnered the interest of s, customers etc (if you have publications, you can show proof of citations etc, you can show proof of collaborations with others in the field etc)
- Did you get letters of recommendation from supervisors you’ve worked with in the past that can vouch for you and your work?


See, NIW petition letter has a pattern to it, it’s almost like you’re writing a story, you must CLEARLY express your points. How you highlight your points and your exhibits to the adjudicating officer is very crucial!!. They have lots of petitions to review per day!.
Use subheadings, bullet points etc where necessary, bolden your points or use catchy colored fonts where necessary. You can even add images where necessary to drive home your points!

As a rule (for me); the first two pages of your petition letter should already let the officer know what your proposed endeavor is and how you’re well-positioned to carry out this endeavor!.

Did you include a list of all your exhibits? See, you have to make the job easy for the officer!. Did you properly label your exhibits? I always advise people to use colored printing, not just black and white (this is my personal preference though).

There’s so much more I want to write, but I’ll have to know the specifics of your application to give proper guidance.

Please relax, take your time (you don’t have much of it though, cos you only have 90 days to respond), calm your head and write convincingly again!

Print out the USCIS Policy manual for EB2NIW and Matter of Dhanasar (Read both of these very well!!), let it be your guide.

I wish you all the very best!, and Yes, you’ll have to respond. DO NOT GIVE UP PLEASE.🙏🏽