Success Stories: Success Without Scrutiny: Dual NIW and EB-1A Approvals for Clinical Retina Fellow
Client’s Testimonial:
“I had an excellent experience working with Chen Immigration Attorneys. I signed the contract to apply for the EB1, and we filed the case in less than two months. The petition was approved in just 19 days through premium processing. The team was solid, organized, and highly professional throughout the process.”
On May 30th, 2023, and June 5th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approvals for a Clinical Retina Fellow in the Field of Ophthalmology (Approval Notice).
General Field: Ophthalmology
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Clinical Retina Fellow
Country of Origin: Iran
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Florida
Approval Notice Date: : May 30th, 2023 (NIW) and June 5th, 2025 (EB1A)
Processing Time: 4 months, 25 days (NIW), and 19 days (EB1A) (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
A globally recognized expert in ophthalmology recently secured EB-1A approval in just 19 days through premium processing, following a previously approved National Interest Waiver (NIW) that was processed in under five months. Both petitions were prepared and filed by the North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG), and both were approved without any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).
The client’s extraordinary ability is rooted in a long-standing record of influential research and clinical insight. His original contributions to the field of ophthalmology have advanced public health on a global scale. He has:
❖ Identified the worldwide burden of cataracts as a major cause of visual impairment,
❖ Developed innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies for retinal diseases,
❖ Evaluated complications arising from laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK),
❖ And demonstrated how cataract surgery can play a preventive role in glaucoma.
His work directly addresses growing global concerns such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, both of which are leading causes of irreversible vision loss. His research supports efforts to prevent blindness and improve quality of life through data-driven medical intervention.
This work has received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a clear recognition of its significance and potential for public health impact.
His academic and scientific credentials include:
➔ 36 peer-reviewed journal articles (4 as first author), 9 conference abstracts (2 first-authored), 1 preprint
➔ 17 completed journal peer reviews
➔ 1,122 total citations, placing him in the top 1% of ophthalmology authors worldwide over the past 10 years. His work has been cited by researchers in at least 57 countries, reflecting global influence.
“[Client]’s work to improve evidence-based decision-making surrounding ophthalmic diseases like keratoconus and medical procedures like LASIK thus has important public health applications. [Client]’s efforts to continuously improve and advance knowledge of ophthalmic diseases and treatment strategies are an asset to those working to better patient outcomes, and it is thus vital that he continue his work in the United States.”
With a robust portfolio already established through his NIW approval (processed in just under five months), our client once again partnered with NAILG to pursue the EB-1A petition. This subsequent filing was approved in only 19 days under premium processing, without any RFEs or NOIDs, reflecting the strength of his credentials and the clarity of the legal presentation.
This case is a powerful example of how groundbreaking scientific research, paired with strategic legal guidance, can lead to swift and successful immigration outcomes, enabling extraordinary individuals to continue their high-impact work in the United States.