Success Story: A Research Associate Secured EB1A Approval Despite RFE

Case Summary:     

We are pleased to announce the approval of an I-140 EB1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) petition for our client after receiving an RFE. With a Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, and Evolution, the client has established herself as a leading expert in genome biology and bioinformatics, making influential contributions that advance both evolutionary biology and medical genetics.

Advancing Genome Biology and Bioinformatics

The client’s research focuses on uncovering the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms that shape modern species and human health. She is especially well-known for her investigations into the genomic history of extinct and living elephants, the horizontal transfer of mobile DNA among mammals, and the role of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in cancer development. These pioneering studies shed light on evolutionary processes, genomic instability, and molecular mechanisms that influence disease, providing new directions for therapeutic innovation and biomedical research.

Her work not only deepens scientific understanding of genome biology but also provides practical insights with applications in oncology, evolutionary genetics, and bioinformatics methods development. By integrating advanced computational biology with molecular insights, she has significantly advanced the field in ways that carry clear global and national importance.

Scholarly Record and Research Impact

The petition highlighted the client’s impressive record of scholarship, including:

• 13 peer-reviewed journal articles (5 first-authored)
• 8 conference abstracts (7 first-authored)
• 1 first-authored preprint
• 2 book chapters
  

Her publications have been cited 784 times, with several articles ranking among the top 10% most cited in molecular biology and genetics for their year of publication. Beyond publications, she has also conducted at least 16 peer reviews for leading journals, further demonstrating her recognition as a trusted authority in her field.

Recognition and Support

The strength of her petition was further reinforced by four letters of recommendation from internationally recognized experts, which attested to the originality and significance of her work. These experts emphasized that her discoveries have been directly adopted in peer research across multiple countries and disciplines.

A Successful Outcome

USCIS agreed that the client’s achievements clearly demonstrate extraordinary ability under the EB1A category. The approval of this petition affirms both her international acclaim and her position at the very top of her field.

At NAILG, we are proud to have supported this case, ensuring that the petition highlighted the depth, originality, and influence of her research. We look forward to seeing the client continue her impactful work in genetics, strengthening U.S. leadership in genome biology, evolutionary science, and medical research.