Question:

I am a certified high school math teacher, working in a public school in USA for the past eight years. I have a Bachelors’ in Education and a Master degree in Mathematics. My school has been sponsoring for H1-B for the past eight years but refused to sponsor for green card. So I took a part time job in an IT Company which is sponsoring for green card(category EB-3). Recently, I learned that, my green card process via this IT company might take several years. I friend of mine suggested me to enroll in PhD program related my profession and my school needs.( I work in an inner city public school).
My question is, would this route (PhD) entitle me to apply in EB-2 NIW category. I am tired and frustrated with the amount of time and expenses, I am enduring in this processes.
I would like you to suggest the right process I can proceed.
Thank you in advance

Answer:

There are two categories that allow self-petitioning, EB2-NIW and EB1A. None of these require phd as a requirement, at least at this time (there is a bill in congress aimed at green card for phd). However, a phd has a better chance in these categories because the various tasks  that are performed during the phd process generally add up as evidence towards uscis criteria for a i-140 petition. This is provided phd topic is well planned. We suggest you familiarize uscis criteria and look at some example petitions to understand what is usually involved in the process.
How long it takes for a green card depends on the country of origin and the current processing dates published in”visa bulletin”. You can look at the current bullietin to understand where the category of your interest and the country of your origin stands. For example for someone from UK applying in either eb1a or eb2-niw, they would get a green card with in a year. For someone from china/india applying in eb2-niw it is likely to take 5 yrs. These are just estimate. In the past, such wait times have sped up also.
I guess with the information above you will be able to make a decision. The self petitioning process is explained in a free ebook on our web page.
Sincerely
Green card for Phd Team

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The contents in this web site are only for your information and are not intended to be legal advice.

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