NIW process

Title: Need NIW (EB-2) Guidance – F-1 STEM OPT, County Transportation Work, Expired Visa, PhD Plans

Post: Hi everyone, I need some guidance on the NIW (EB-2) process based on my current situation.

About me: • Transportation/Traffic Engineer • On F-1 STEM OPT • Working with a- local government on transportation departments(Comprehensive Plan mobility elements, traffic analysis, safety planning). • Also handling roadway link-sheet datasets (traffic counts, segment classifications, roadway characteristics). • Considering a PhD in Transportation.

My questions: 1. Can I file NIW (I-140) while on STEM OPT? Any effect on OPT or future F-1 benefits? 2. Will NIW filing impact my job with a county agency or create obligations for them? 3. My F-1 visa stamp is expired—but status is valid. Can I still apply from inside the U.S.? 4. Can I start a PhD while NIW is pending? 5. Can I continue working normally on STEM OPT during NIW processing? 6. How should I frame answers for the attorney’s three NIW questions (proposed endeavor, national interest, why I’m well positioned) based on my county-level transportation work?

Goal: To build a long-term career improving U.S. transportation safety, mobility systems, and data-driven infrastructure planning—while keeping my status secure.

If you have any attorney please let me know.

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!