Success Story: EB1A + NIW Approved! Our Expert Team Helped a Lecturer from China Achieve Dual Immigration Success
Client’s Testimonial:
“I had a smooth and reassuring experience. The attorneys were incredibly responsive, paid attention to every detail, and ensured nothing ever fell through the cracks. I felt supported at every step of the process.”
On October 24th, 2023, and April 21st, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approvals for a Lecturer in the Field of Urban Planning (Approval Notice).
General Field: Urban Planning
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Lecturer
Country of Origin: China
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Massachusetts
Approval Notice Date: : October 24th, 2023 (NIW) and April 21st, 2025 (EB1A)
Processing Time: 3 months, 7 days (NIW), and 1 year, 2 months, 16 days (EB1A)
Case Summary:
In a remarkable demonstration of scientific excellence and strategic petitioning, a leading researcher from China recently secured approvals for both EB1A and NIW I-140 petitions, the latter granted without delay in October 2023 and followed by EB1A approval in April 2025. We are proud to have supported this accomplished urban planning expert in navigating both pathways to permanent residency in the United States.
Designing the Cities of Tomorrow Through Data-Driven Sustainability
The petitioner’s work focuses on predictive urban modeling, sustainable land use, and carbon emission reduction – key issues at the intersection of climate science, urban infrastructure, and public policy. Currently employed in a research and teaching capacity at a prominent U.S. academic institution, she continues to develop forward-thinking strategies for climate-resilient urban design and environmental planning that serve both scientific advancement and public interest.
Proven Track Record of Scholarly Impact
To support both the NIW and EB1A petitions, our legal team presented a robust evidentiary record demonstrating the client’s recognized standing in her field:
● 17 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals;
● 431 total citations, with at least 8 publications ranked among the top 1–10% most cited in environment and ecology for their publication years;
● At least 11 verified peer reviews for high-impact journals, plus editorial board service with a respected urban science journal;
● Citation footprint spanning over 50 countries, evidencing the global reach and influence of her work;
● Funding support from prestigious scientific bodies, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the European Commission.
Independent Validation from Experts
The petition also included four letters of recommendation from distinguished experts in urban planning and environmental sustainability. These experts, including three independent recommenders, affirmed her contributions as transformative to the field and widely relied upon by researchers and practitioners alike.
“Altogether, [client’s] outstanding achievements have tremendous significance for urban planning research communities in the United States and abroad. The unabridged involvement of [client] in scientific investigation in the United States is especially critical for the urban planning field because her work is a major asset for understanding the urban effects of open government data initiatives.”
A Dual Success for a Global Vision
By securing approvals for both NIW and EB1A, the petitioner has been formally recognized for her exceptional contributions to U.S. national interest and her status as an individual of extraordinary ability. Her work continues to shape the way cities respond to environmental challenges, and we are honored to support her continued innovation at the forefront of sustainable urban planning.