“Roller-coaster experience at Chen and Associates. Thankfully, everything went well in the end. My NIW application process was well-guided, and the professional judgment by the lawyers saved me a huge amount of time, such that I didn’t need to waste time acquiring additional evidence or wait indefinitely for my qualifications to grow before submitting. During the EBIA submission, an increased likelihood of RFE/NOID was forecasted by the lawyers per their observation of recent trends, which made me mentally prepared. It was still sad and shocking to receive the NOID, and we were only given a month to respond. Yet I tried my best to follow the guidance given, and the case was resubmitted and approved in a very timely manner. The lawyers know their stuff!”

Case Summary:  

In an impressive display of research excellence and professional distinction, one of our clients—an expert in biomedical engineering—recently secured approvals for both EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) immigration petitions. The approvals, including EB1A following a NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny), underscore the strength of his contributions to the development of neural interface systems that are redefining the landscape of brain-machine communication.

At the time of filing, the client was working as a postdoctoral associate in the United States, focusing on biomedical engineering research that integrates advanced neural electrode arrays with signal processing. These cutting-edge tools are being leveraged for long-term neural recording and mapping of brain activity, laying the foundation for breakthroughs in neuroprosthetics, stroke rehabilitation, and brain-computer interface systems.

The client’s academic record includes 13 peer-reviewed journal articles and an additional first-authored preprint, with a total citation count of 589. His research has appeared in high-impact journals such as Advanced Science and has been recognized as some of the most highly cited work in neuroscience and biomedical fields for multiple publication years. These accomplishments earned the client an h-index of 10, placing him among the top 5% of authors publishing in his field.

Beyond publications, the client has served as a peer reviewer for over 14 manuscripts in elite journals, a testament to his trusted expertise and recognized standing within the global research community. His work has attracted NIH funding—an acknowledgment of its value and potential impact.

In demonstrating the client’s significance, we highlighted how his novel approaches to signal acquisition and neural interfacing are being adopted globally. Independent citations from researchers at institutions in over 40 countries provided a strong evidentiary basis that his findings are shaping scientific discourse and advancing medical technology. To support the final merits determination under EB1A, we presented detailed accounts of how peers have built upon the client’s work to engineer next-generation neural interfaces and develop new therapeutic strategies.

One powerful letter of recommendation captured this influence succinctly:

“[Client’s] pioneering research in advanced electrode technology significantly improves patient outcomes by minimizing tissue damage and enhancing the effectiveness of neural implants… These advancements drive economic growth in the U.S. by fueling innovation in the neurotechnology and biotechnology sectors.”

Despite receiving a NOID in the EB1A process, the client’s response—prepared with comprehensive documentation of his influence, originality, and acclaim—persuaded USCIS of his eligibility for the extraordinary ability classification. Both petitions were processed through premium processing and received timely approvals.

This outcome affirms the exceptional capabilities of our client and the diligence of our team at North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG). We are honored to support individuals whose work enhances human health and scientific progress. We look forward to seeing this client continue his innovative pursuits on U.S. soil, where his expertise will no doubt contribute to national and global advancements in biomedical engineering.