Case Summary:       

When our client, a biostatistician in the field of epidemiology, approached NAILG to pursue an EB1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) immigrant petition, she brought with her a solid portfolio of impactful research and a clear vision for the future. Her work, rooted in biostatistics and predictive modeling, has had a tangible influence on a number of pressing public health challenges, particularly around cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, and cancer risk.

At the time of filing, our client held the role of Biostatistician II at a healthcare institution in the United States, contributing to research development, statistical analysis, and publication efforts across multiple large-scale projects. Her scientific output included 25 peer-reviewed publications and one book chapter, many of which appeared in top-tier journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Annals of Internal Medicine. Her work has been cited over 2,800 times by researchers in more than 70 countries, a clear testament to the breadth of her impact.

We prepared the EB1A petition and demonstrated eligibility under the regulatory framework by documenting three critical criteria:

1. Original Scientific Contributions of Major Significance
   The client’s work stood out for its focus on improving predictive modeling in epidemiology. Notably, she contributed to research clarifying the efficacy of antithrombotic therapy in COVID-19 patients—a topic of immense clinical importance. Her studies were not only published in prestigious journals but also cited extensively by other researchers, confirming the real-world relevance of her contributions.
2. Authorship in Scholarly Publications
    Her extensive authorship record included landmark studies on dietary risk factors, cancer risks, and reproductive health. Multiple articles were among the most highly cited publications in her field for their respective years, reinforcing the client’s role as a thought leader in epidemiology.
3. Judging the Work of Others
    She served as a peer reviewer for several high-impact journals, including the Journal of Ovarian Research and Frontiers in Nutrition. These invitations reflected her expert status and deep familiarity with evolving research standards and methodologies.

Our petition also included strong third-party recommendation letters. One particularly compelling statement came from a professor at a major U.S. university, who remarked:

“[Client’s] selection as a peer reviewer for this journal serves as a clear acknowledgment of her high standing as a researcher. Peer review is an essential aspect of the academic publication process and is critical for ensuring journals are publishing the most accurate, up-to-date information.”

In addition to this testimonial evidence, we highlighted the client’s research funding support from prominent agencies such as the NIH and NCI—another indicator of the scientific community’s recognition of her work’s merit and relevance.

Despite an RFE (Request for Evidence) issued during the process, we provided timely and compelling clarifications that led to a swift approval decision. The EB1A petition was approved within a short timeframe, bringing the client one step closer to realizing her long-term goals in the United States.

At NAILG, we are proud to have played a part in elevating another remarkable researcher’s journey. Her continued contributions to public health, through rigorous epidemiological research, promise to leave a lasting mark on both scientific understanding and patient outcomes.