Success Story: Overcoming RFE! A 27-year-old Post-Doctoral Research Scholar From Iraq Secured an EB1A Success with Our Assistance
Client’s Testimonial:
“I learned about the North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration) through word of mouth from a colleague. I found them very professional, client-oriented, and punctual. What I loved most is that they are client-oriented. They had the flexibility to act in my best interest, and I trusted them to do so and still do.”
On October 13th, 2025, we received another EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar in the Field of Neuroscience (Approval Notice).
General Field: Neuroscience
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Post-Doctoral Research Scholar
Country of Origin: Iraq
Approval Notice Date: October 13th, 2025
Processing Time: 2 months, 26 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
“It is therefore clear that [Client] is a leader in the field of neuroscience.”
This strong recognition from a field expert underscored our client’s EB-1A petition, which was prepared and represented by North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration). The petition received a Request for Evidence (RFE), but through our strategic and well-documented response, the case was ultimately approved.
With an M.B.Ch.B., Client is an established expert in neuroscience and is among a select group of researchers recognized for specialized work in neurobehavioral diagnostics, cerebrovascular and tumor surgery, and neurosurgical education. The client’s global reputation is especially tied to advancements in validating diagnostic tools used to better identify complex behavioral conditions in diverse populations.
Client is currently engaged in research and academic development in the neurosciences, applying clinically important methodologies that support improved mental health assessments and surgical outcomes. The work continues to demonstrate clear potential to benefit the United States through enhanced neurological care and medical education.
To clearly establish extraordinary ability under the EB-1A category, our petition emphasized several major achievements:
- An exceptional publication record of 152 peer-reviewed journal articles (including 22 first-authored), 27 book chapters, 4 books, and multiple scientific abstracts, displaying both productivity and scholarly leadership.
- Significant citation impact, with 493 citations to Client’s work, highlighting widespread adoption of these discoveries across the global neuroscience community.
- Extensive scientific judging, including at least 70 peer-review assignments, demonstrating that leading journals rely on Client’s expertise to uphold research quality across allied fields.
- Research addressing critical needs in behavioral diagnostics, neurovascular surgery, and accessible neurosurgical education, areas with direct societal and clinical importance.
To reinforce the petitioner’s elevated scientific standing, our firm included four expert recommendation letters from highly respected scholars, including independent references who know the client solely through the influence of the research.
Throughout the adjudication process, especially in responding to the RFE, our legal team provided detailed analysis demonstrating how Client’s original contributions have driven real-world advancements in medical assessment and neurosurgical treatment – meeting and exceeding both regulatory and final-merits criteria.
We are proud to share that the I-140 EB-1A petition was approved under premium processing, confirming USCIS’s recognition of the client’s extraordinary career, sustained acclaim, and clear ability to continue contributing at the top of the field in the United States.
North America Immigration Law Group congratulates this accomplished neuroscience expert and looks forward to supporting continued success in the immigration process.