Having a PhD is less important than the other stuff - publications, awards, etc. - so there's no need for you to wait until you graduate to start the process. A

Having a PhD is less important than the other stuff - publications, awards, etc. - so there's no need for you to wait until you graduate to start the process. As a first step, I would recommend that you get your qualifications evaluated now because it's possible that you could pursue an EB1A now or an NIW at a minimum.