Success Stories: Against All Odds: Rwandan Lecturer Receives EB2-NIW Approval in Animal Science Despite the RFE Challenge

Case Summary:           

North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) recently supported a Rwandan lecturer in animal science with his I-140 EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition. Our comprehensive assessment identified him as an ideal candidate for the NIW, given his robust educational background, impressive professional achievements, and substantial contributions to animal science and sustainable agriculture. Despite receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) during the process, NAILG successfully responded by providing extensive documentation of our client’s exceptional qualifications and the profound national significance of his research.

Innovative Research Driving Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

Our client’s research aims to optimize backyard poultry farming through advanced genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. This endeavor involves developing genomic selection methods and precision-farming tools to enhance productivity, conserve biodiversity, and improve food security. His work directly addresses critical U.S. priorities such as food availability, agricultural innovation, and economic stability by promoting diversification and sustainability in poultry farming. The pressing need for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices is evident, given that millions of Americans experience food insecurity annually.

Through these pioneering efforts, our client has demonstrated significant potential to advance agricultural sustainability, safeguard biodiversity, and enhance public health by fostering resilient food production systems.

Client’s Outstanding Achievements Reflecting Impact in Animal Science

NAILG documented our client’s notable achievements, demonstrating the significant influence and widespread recognition of his work:

• Extensive publication record comprising 20 peer-reviewed journal articles (5 first-authored), 3 preprints (2 first-authored), and 1 conference poster.
• A substantial citation record of 235 citations, reflecting his research’s extensive influence and application within the scientific community.
• At least 4 papers were ranked among the most highly cited in the field of Agricultural Sciences for their respective publication years, highlighting the originality and impact of his research.
• Peer review experience, completing at least 4 peer reviews for esteemed journals such as PLoS One.
• Research funding support from prominent institutions, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), demonstrates the national significance of his research.

Recommendation Letters Validate National Importance

The petition was supported by four recommendation letters, including three independent advisory opinions from respected experts. These letters strongly affirmed the novelty, scientific importance, and significant implications of our client’s research. A brief excerpt from these recommendation letters reads:

“[Client] has advanced the field of animal science through his capacity to reveal important transmission mechanisms and advance disease control via a range of biological techniques. [Client’s] prowess in genomics and biostatistics situates him as a leader in the field and establishes his inherent value to the United States.”

Strategic Petition Preparation and RFE Response Results in Approval

USCIS approved our client’s EB2-NIW petition in exactly 1 year, 1 month, and 14 days. This approval, despite the issuance of an RFE during adjudication, showcases the client’s exceptional credentials and the meticulous effort put forth by NAILG in preparing and presenting his petition.

We congratulate our client on this accomplishment and look forward to his continued valuable contributions to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced food security in the United States.