m a
Aug 12, 2024
interview completed - case must the reviewed
I had my EB2-NIW interview today at the San Diego office. I’ve been current since March 2024 (ROW).
the interview went well and the officer was friendly.
1. There were some questions about my research assistantship/scholarship during my PhD. The officer was confused as to why I was getting paid during my PhD as a student. I explained that I was getting paid because of my PhD scholarship and that I was working as a graduate assistant reaearcher in the lab as part of my research. She said this should be fine, but she needs to just confirm this with her supervisor.
2. at the end she mentioned that my case looks good, but she can’t approve me right now because my I-140 files (approved) are still at the national benefits center becuase of some sort of mix up on their end. she said she will request them to send the files to her so that she can consolidate them which should take anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
Is there anyone else here with a similar situation where some of ther documents were not forwarded to their field office?
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MD KashifAug 12, 2024
@m a what's your PhD major ? are you working or still study?
usually they just want to confirm/check/latest update on certain things. it may take time but I think you be fine .
m aAug 12, 2024
@MD Kashif my PhD is in genetics. I graduated back in 2022 and have been continuously employed (working in the industry) since then. I also have an affiliate status with my university and have continued to publish 4 more papers (2 first authors) since 2022.
m aAug 12, 2024
@Yas yeah my officer didn’t know what a PhD scholarship is and didn’t understand why I was getting paid while studying. She asked if I had a DHS Authorization letter that shows I was allowed to work and get paid in the lab duing my PhD and took a copy of my social security card.
Rijo RijoAug 12, 2024
@m a, approval files will take up to 90 days? 😇 Does it even make sense? When they mail approval notice, it takes about 1 week to get to us, but within themselves, it takes 90 days! Kudos to USCIS!!!
Pablo MateranAug 12, 2024
@m a They just wanna know if you worked without permission
Tiago AraujoSep 20, 2025
@m a they approved your case?
