I want to start EB GC process. Don't know where to start.

[areg]

Hi, I am postdoc in North Carolina Central University. My field is physics. I have about 8 journal papers in peer-reviewed journals. I have also 2 year home residency requirement and I am on J-1 visa now. I would like to start Green Card process, but I don't know where to start, or which category will fit me best. Is there anyway I can get some direction or consultation for free?
Thank you.

[whiz]

Originally Posted by areg

Hi, I am postdoc in North Carolina Central University. My field is physics. I have about 8 journal papers in peer-reviewed journals. I have also 2 year home residency requirement and I am on J-1 visa now. I would like to start Green Card process, but I don't know where to start, or which category will fit me best. Is there anyway I can get some direction or consultation for free?
Thank you.

There are quite a few recommended lawyers if you take a look at the forums. Your obvious choice would be EB1 and EB2-NIW. The same lawyers will file both at the same time.

If chargebility is some backlogged country, you should trying for EB1.

[areg]

Originally Posted by whiz

There are quite a few recommended lawyers if you take a look at the forums. Your obvious choice would be EB1 and EB2-NIW. The same lawyers will file both at the same time.

If chargebility is some backlogged country, you should trying for EB1.

Thank you Whiz, I am from Armenia. How can I check my country? I also don't understand what "chargeability" and "backlogged country" means in this context. Is the price for filing EB1 only and price for EB1 and EB2-NIW together would be differ a lot? I mean prices for lawyer.

[katta]

changeability -- under EB you are counted. country that depends on country of birth. Visa Bulletin For July 2012
backlog - USCIS has more adjustment of status (AOS) cases pending than the quota allocated by congress, in this case you stand in queue until you get your turn. this depends on the date when u file your case if it is self petition. EB1 is current so you don't have to worry about this.
J1 visa- Get J1 wavier. Which country are you from? Without J1 wavier your EB1 petition will be rejected.
I highly recommend you hiring an reputed immigration lawyer.

[areg]

Originally Posted by katta

changeability -- under EB you are counted. country that depends on country of birth. Visa Bulletin For July 2012
backlog - USCIS has more adjustment of status (AOS) cases pending than the quota allocated by congress, in this case you stand in queue until you get your turn. this depends on the date when u file your case if it is self petition. EB1 is current so you don't have to worry about this.
J1 visa- Get J1 wavier. Which country are you from? Without J1 wavier your EB1 petition will be rejected.
I highly recommend you hiring an reputed immigration lawyer.

Thank you Katta.
I am from Armenia. I heard from some lawyer, that I can do first step (I guess I140) even without waiver of J-1, and then, after its approval I need to do waiver and then do I-485. So, what you meant saying EB1 petition will be rejected, the I-140 or I-485?

[katta]

you fall in rest of the world (ROW) . EB1 ROW is current so you can file concurrently (I140 and I485). I have assumed that you are filing concurrently as EB1 is current. I don't know, not having j1 wavier will cause I140 rejection but most probability you will get RFE (Request for evidence). I have gone thought this J1 wavier thing and every time I get my h1b renewed I'm being asked J1 wavier. Some attorneys will swindle $ to reply for RFE. Keep in mind that once you receive RFE you have 1 to 2 months (will be mentioned on RFE) to reply.
Technically you can file separately but people with current date don't file separately. There is no reason to file separately, to me it sounds like the lawyer want to make some $. Get a good immigration lawyer from USA. Murthy.com, and immigration.com are reputable lawyer in US (I have never worked with them). First consultation is free and they will give you estimated cost for each stage. All the best!!