Success Stories: EB1A Approved for Geotechnical Engineering Researcher Advancing Sustainable Soil Stabilization and Infrastructure Resilience Following RFE

Client’s Testimonial:

“I’m very pleased to have received the EB1A approval, and I truly appreciate your outstanding support throughout the process.”

On July 11^th, 2025, we received another EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Graduate Research Assistant in the Field of Geotechnical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Geotechnical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Graduate Research Assistant

Country of Origin: Iran

State of Residence at the time of filing: Arizona

Approval Notice Date: July 11^th, 2025

Processing Time: 3 months, 24 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

We are pleased to announce the approval of an EB1A petition for a geotechnical engineering expert from Iran. The client was employed as a graduate research assistant at the time of filing and was working at the forefront of environmental geomechanics and sustainable infrastructure development. His work has advanced innovative approaches to soil behavior modeling, slope stability assessment, and environmental remediation using recycled industrial materials. NAILG built a compelling case demonstrating his extraordinary ability through original contributions, peer recognition, and scholarly impact.

Research on Soil Mechanics, Slope Stability, and Environmental Engineering

The client’s research addresses critical issues in civil infrastructure by developing and applying new methodologies for the assessment and stabilization of problematic soils, including collapsible and expansive soils. He has proposed novel experimental models to study unsaturated soil mechanics and slope performance under varying moisture and stress conditions. These efforts have implications for infrastructure safety, environmental preservation, and disaster risk mitigation.

In addition, his more recent work focuses on environmentally friendly geotechnical practices, including the use of fly ash, slag, and other industrial byproducts for soil stabilization and erosion control. His contributions directly support national goals in sustainable development, infrastructure resilience, and environmental remediation.

Research Impact and Scientific Contributions

To demonstrate his qualification under the EB1A standard, we presented the following key achievements:

8 peer-reviewed journal articles and 12 peer-reviewed conference papers
128 total citations to date
60 completed peer reviews for top-tier journals ranked in the top 10 of their fields

Six of his articles rank among the most highly cited publications in geotechnical and civil engineering for their respective publication years. Independent scholars from over a dozen countries have cited his work, underscoring the global relevance of his findings on soil mechanics, hydraulic conductivity, and green infrastructure design.

Here is a compelling excerpt from one of the recommendation letters that highlights how the client’s work benefits the United States:

“[Client’s] research integrates life cycle assessment and hydro-mechanical modeling to demonstrate how vegetation-based slope stabilization can prevent shallow landslides, reduce carbon emissions, and lower infrastructure costs. These contributions offer sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to conventional methods and directly support national goals for environmental protection and infrastructure resilience.”

Recognized Expertise and Standing in the Field

NAILG successfully demonstrated the client’s eligibility under three EB1A criteria:

Original Contributions of Major Significance: His soil modeling and stabilization methods have been widely adopted and cited in international literature and applied in both academic and applied geotechnical contexts.
Judging the Work of Others: With 60 verified peer reviews for highly selective journals, the client has served as a gatekeeper for scientific quality and innovation in his field.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles: His consistent publication record in influential journals and leading conference proceedings reinforces his sustained contributions to civil and environmental engineering.

Approval and Outcome

Despite receiving an RFE shortly after filing, the petition was approved just under four months after submission. NAILG responded with a strong evidentiary supplement that further emphasized the originality, influence, and national relevance of the client’s work.

We are honored to support this exceptional researcher and look forward to the continued contributions he will make to geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure in the United States.

North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With more than 58,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Hundreds and Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our cumulative total of approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to over 58,000 in 2025.