Success Story: From Vision to Victory: China-Based Director Earns EB1A Approval in 15 Days with Premium Processing
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On July 16th, 2025, we received another EB1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Director in the Field of Mental Health (Approval Notice).
General Field: Mental Health
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Director
Country of Origin: China
Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: China
Approval Notice Date: July 16th, 2025
Processing Time: 15 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) is proud to share the successful outcome of an EB1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) I-140 petition for a mental health researcher with expertise in psychiatric epidemiology and genomics. After closely evaluating the client’s notable accomplishments and global influence in this field, our team filed the petition under premium processing, securing a favorable result from USCIS just 15 days after submission.
Pioneering Research in Mental Health and Psychiatric Genomics
The client’s research program focuses on addressing critical challenges in mental health by identifying biological and environmental determinants of psychiatric disorders. His studies explore the mental health of special populations, analyze gene expression related to schizophrenia, investigate therapies for neonatal brain injury, and examine hormone-linked sexual dysfunction in psychiatric care. These projects aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce health disparities, and develop culturally sensitive care models.
The client is currently working in an academic research setting, with a plan to continue his work in the United States through a professorial role at a U.S. university. His contributions are not only scientifically rigorous but also address mental health care gaps in underserved populations and advance innovations in psychiatric diagnostics and treatments.
Global Recognition and Demonstrated Impact
To support this EB1A petition, we presented evidence of the client’s international recognition and measurable influence in the field:
- 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, including multiple first- and co-first-authored papers published in top journals
- 326 citations to his published body of work according to Google Scholar
- At least 45 completed peer reviews for leading journals
Notably, six of his articles are ranked among the top 10% most cited publications in psychiatry and psychology for their publication years, highlighting their exceptional relevance. These papers have supported new research across at least 35 countries and in fields such as schizophrenia diagnostics, epigenetics, telepsychiatry, and pandemic mental health resilience.
We emphasized that his methods have been adopted globally and used by independent research teams from respected institutions in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America – proof of his far-reaching scholarly influence.
Exceptional Ability Supported by Peer Acclaim
In addition to objective metrics, six independent experts from prominent academic and clinical institutions submitted letters of recommendation attesting to the client’s contributions and prominence in the field. These letters offered detailed insights into the originality and value of his work and affirmed his leadership in psychiatric epidemiological and genomic research.
“As his impressive record of publication and citation demonstrates, he is actively advancing the field through his novel findings and breakthroughs. It is thus my considered professional opinion that it is in the country’s best interest to support his research.”
A Clear Case for Extraordinary Ability
Our legal team meticulously demonstrated that the client met three of the EB1A regulatory criteria: (1) authorship of scholarly articles, (2) original contributions of major significance, and (3) judging the work of others. We further showed that he has sustained national and international acclaim and that his achievements place him among the small percentage at the top of his field.
With this strong body of evidence and a focused legal argument, USCIS approved the case directly without complications.
We are honored to have supported this accomplished researcher in his journey to continue advancing mental health research in the United States. His pioneering work and commitment to improving psychiatric care globally exemplify the kind of extraordinary ability that the EB1A category was designed to recognize.