General Field: Public Health Economics
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Health Economist
Country of Origin: Hong Kong
Approval Notice Date: October 10th, 2025
Processing Time: 4 months, 1 day (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
This
EB-1A (
Alien of Extraordinary Ability) case highlights the successful approval of a petition in the field of public health economics following a Request for Evidence (RFE). The case was filed on June 9, 2025, received an RFE on June 30, 2025, and was approved on October 10, 2025. After a detailed and strategic response from
North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG), USCIS recognized the petitioner’s extraordinary record of accomplishments and the substantial impact of his research on public health policy.
The petitioner is a highly accomplished researcher whose work integrates econometric modeling, epidemiologic analysis, and communication strategies to advance evidence-based policymaking. His research has informed federal and state-level initiatives for effective policy design, resource allocation, and harm reduction, offering a scientific foundation for preventing premature deaths and improving population health. With 222 citations across his publications, his influence extends internationally, reflecting how his research continues to guide both academic study and real-world health interventions.
The petitioner has authored 4 peer-reviewed journal articles, along with 3 first-authored conference papers and 4 abstracts. His work has been published in leading journals. His research on alcohol-related harm, cannabis, and other drug policy has been referenced by institutions such as the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and numerous U.S. and international major media outlets, confirming its substantial policy relevance and impact.
Beyond his publications, the petitioner’s leadership in the field is evident through his peer review and professional service. He has completed at least 11 manuscript reviews for top-ranked journals and conducted 10 grant reviews for the U.S. Government. In his position as a Health Economist at the Federal Government, he played a leading and critical role in evaluating nationwide alcohol and drug-related disease burdens and designing data-driven strategies for prevention and intervention. These achievements demonstrate the high level of trust placed in his expertise by the scientific and policy communities.
Although the case initially received an RFE, NAILG’s comprehensive response clearly established that the petitioner’s research constitutes original contributions of major significance and that his sustained acclaim positions him among the small percentage of experts who have reached the top of their field. The approval reaffirms the petitioner’s extraordinary ability and his capacity to continue making vital contributions to public health economics. We are proud to have represented this outstanding scholar and to have played a role in his successful immigration journey.
