Success Story: Transforming Food Preservation: Iranian Professor Achieves EB1A Approval After Overcoming an RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
“Thank you so much for your efforts in successfully handling my case.”
On November 19th, 2025, we received another EB1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Professor in the Field of Food Science and Technology (Approval Notice).
General Field: Food Science and Technology
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Principal Data Scientist
Country of Origin: Iran
Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Iran
Approval Notice Date: November 19th, 2025
Processing Time: 1 year, 9 months, 19 days
Case Summary:
When this food science expert came to NAILG for support with an EB1A petition, his record already revealed a researcher whose contributions were reshaping the future of natural food preservation. Working at the intersection of agro-byproduct utilization, bioactive peptide discovery, and plant-derived preservation techniques, he had spent years developing methods that reduce reliance on synthetic additives while enhancing food safety and sustainability. His goal was to continue this work in the United States, where the demand for natural, sustainable food technologies continues to grow.
The client had built an exceptional publication record long before filing his EB1A. His work had appeared in over 174 peer-reviewed journal articles, 56 conference papers, and 2 books, a volume rarely seen in the field. With 1,589 citations, his research had been adopted by scientists across the world, demonstrating both wide recognition and measurable influence. NAILG highlighted how his expertise in developing natural preservation systems, valorizing agricultural byproducts, and characterizing bioactive peptides directly contributed to global efforts to reduce food waste, improve food safety, and advance functional food development.
Extraordinary Ability in Food Science and Technology
His research portfolio showed impact across multiple fronts. He introduced natural preservatives derived from grape pomace, barberry extracts, essential oils, and yeast-derived peptides, helping reduce reliance on synthetic nitrates and chemical additives. He evaluated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and functional properties of natural compounds and demonstrated their application in fish, poultry, and meat processing.
A second pillar of the case was his peer-review leadership. Having completed at least 34 reviews for journals and conferences, he demonstrated clear recognition from editors who rely on subject-matter experts to maintain research quality and rigor. His participation on numerous Ph.D. dissertation committees further underscored his standing as a trusted evaluator in the field.
Addressing and Overcoming the RFE
Despite the strength of the petition, USCIS issued a Request for Evidence questioning aspects of the original submission. NAILG crafted a targeted response that clarified the international reach of his research, the direct scientific contributions he made to natural preservation methods, and the reasons he met the final-merits standard for extraordinary ability. We reinforced the global importance of reducing food waste, improving nutritional quality, and replacing synthetic preservatives, areas where his innovations are already being used by researchers worldwide. After reviewing the response, USCIS approved the case.
EB1A Approval and Outlook
This EB1A approval reflects the nature of the client’s scientific work and its growing influence within food science and technology. His research continues to support healthier, more sustainable food systems and provides new alternatives to synthetic additives that impact public health and environmental sustainability. NAILG is proud to have guided him through both the initial filing and the RFE response, and we look forward to seeing his continued contributions strengthen the United States’ leadership in natural food preservation and food safety innovation.