Success Stories: NAILG Secured EB-1A Approval for Postdoctoral Scholar in Zoonotic Diseases After Successful NIW Approval and RFE Response

“Honestly, I did not expect such a high level of professionalism, dedication, and accuracy in preparing and filing my case. I am really highly satisfied with the service of the Chen Immigration team. As usual, your service is highly skilled and professional. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

Case Summary:

Our client is a leading expert in zoonotic diseases, emerging pathogens, and molecular biology. His groundbreaking research, including work on COVID-19, avian influenza, and swine influenza viruses, has led to the development of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and novel diagnostic tools to prevent outbreaks and protect public health. His contributions have been pivotal in advancing pandemic preparedness and global food security.

Having previously received a National Interest Waiver (NIW) with the support of NAILG, his transition to EB-1A classification further solidifies his status as a leader in the field. NAILG worked closely with him to strategically position his work, framing both his innovative contributions and their national significance. The EB-1A approval reflects the high level of recognition his work has received internationally and its profound impact on U.S. public health and scientific innovation.

Our client’s academic record is exemplary:

❖ 22 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 10 first- or co-first-authored, 1 preprint, and 2 book chapters
❖ 301 citations from researchers in 34 countries, positioning him in the top 1% of authors in zoonotic disease research over the past 5 years
❖ At least 5 peer reviews, contributing his expertise to the scientific community
❖ Funding from prestigious organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the New York Influenza Center of Excellence, the Austrian Science Fund, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Project of the NARO Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, Japan, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan

One expert reviewer highlighted his impact:

“[Client]’s knowledge on producing monoclonal antibodies, which he has disseminated in his published peer-reviewed articles, is applicable to various viral diseases and cancer treatments. Further, his work on influenza vaccines and the management of influenza infections provides a framework for the response to these infections, ensuring that outbreaks are contained before they have the chance to evolve and cause a pandemic-level event. His focus on the management of outbreaks in the pork industry advances food security in the nation, while his progression of therapeutic treatments reduces fatalities and hospitalization rates substantially. [Client]’s work in this arena is unmatched, and the United States would greatly benefit from the acquisition of his talents.”

NAILG played a central role in our client’s EB-1A petition, working together to strategically present his exceptional qualifications, including his prior NIW approval. Our team helped to position his contributions to zoonotic diseases and pandemic preparedness in a way that showcased their direct relevance to U.S. priorities. When an RFE was issued during the EB-1A process, NAILG worked diligently with him to address the request, providing additional evidence and clarifying his national importance. Our careful attention to the details helped ensure the success of his petition, culminating in EB-1A approval.