Success Stories: EB-1A Petition Approved for California-based Research Associate with 147 Citations in the Field of Mechanical Engineering

Client’s Testimonial:

“I already referred several friends to WeGreened along my 140 application process. I will keep doing that! I sincerely appreciate your time and efforts in my 140 case!”

On November 21^st, we received another EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Research Associate in the Field of Mechanical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Mechanical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Research Associate Country of Origin: China

Service Center: Nebraska Service Center (NSC)

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California

Approval Notice Date: November 21^st, 2016

Processing Time: 95 Days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

A research associate from China hired North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) to help her file an EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) petition. Based in California, our client has extensive experience in the field of mechanical engineering and has amassed a myriad of accolades to show for her work.

What makes a strong EB-1A case?

We needed to prove to the USCIS that our client met at least three out of the 10 criteria to qualify for EB-1A. Based on her credentials, we determined that she had a notable citation count, strong publication record, and impressive peer review experience. At the time of filing, we confirmed that our client’s work had gathered 147 citations, that she had published 4 scientific articles, and that she had conducted 20 peer reviews. We also encouraged her to reach out to other experts working in the field of mechanical engineering for recommendation letters. Our client returned with six letters, once of which contained this statement: “[Client’s] work has become an irreplaceable part of the scientific community. It would present a substantial loss to the field if she were unable to continue her work for any reason. There is no other researcher who has demonstrated the vision and insight that [Client] has gained through her impressive accomplishments, and as a result, she has established herself in a prominent position in the field.” Not only did these letters support the approval of our client’s EB-1A petition, they also highlighted the importance of our client’s work on developing novel characterization methodologies that allow researchers in mechanical engineering to create durable materials and designs.

What is Premium Processing (PP)?

PP is a paid option offered by the USCIS and it allows petitioners to have action taken on their cases within 15 calendar days. Although our client paid an additional fee of $1,225 for PP, she waited 95 days for the USCIS to approve her case. This is because she received a Request for Evidence (RFE) which stretched the adjudication timeline past 15 days. Even so, she would have had to wait far longer than 95 days had she not elected to file her case with PP.

What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?

According to the USCIS website, an RFE “… is made when an application/petition is lacking required documentation/evidence (initial evidence) or the officer needs more documentation/evidence (additional evidence) to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the benefit sought.” Our legal team and support staff worked diligently to respond to the RFE and our efforts resulted in case approval.

What is the next step?

All that stands between our client and her green card is the I-485 application. Once the USCIS approves it, she will become an American permanent resident. We wish her the best with this step and thank her for choosing NAILG to help her secure an EB-1A petition approval.

North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With more than 47,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Hundreds and Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to over 47,000 in 2023.