Success Story: How a Sustainable Development Scholar Earned Both EB-1A and NIW Approvals Without an RFE

Client’s Testimonial:

“Hard work paid off. Thank you for your support.”

On May 10^th, 2025, and November 19^th, 2025, we received another I-140 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approvals for a Visiting Scholar in the Field of Sustainable Development (Approval Notice).

General Field: Sustainable Development

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Visiting Scholar

Country of Origin: Nepal

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: North Carolina

Approval Notice Date: May 10^th, 2025 (NIW); November 19^th, 2025 (EB1A)

Processing Time: 5 months, 8 days (NIW, Premium Processing Requested), and 16 days (EB1A, Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

When this talented researcher first came to NAILG, he had already built an academic journey centered on agritourism and rural economic development. With a Ph.D. in Horticulture-Food and Resource Economics and a strong dedication to supporting rural communities, he was ready for the next chapter of his immigration path. Earlier in the year, NAILG guided him through a successful NIW petition, which was approved after 5 months and 8 days. Encouraged by this success, he returned to us to pursue an EB1A, and we were eager to support him again.

From the start, it was clear how deeply impactful his work has been. His research explores how agritourism can create new income streams for farmers, strengthen local economies, and empower underserved rural regions. His findings have shaped how other researchers approach rural development, and his innovative methods continue to influence new strategies across the field.

His scholarly record further demonstrated his leadership. He has authored 15 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 9 as first author, as well as 1 peer-reviewed conference article and 16 conference abstracts, 14 of which he led. This combination of productivity and initiative showed that he is not only contributing to the field but is actively driving it forward.

Another major strength was his extensive service as a peer reviewer. Completing at least 66 journal reviews is a clear sign of trust from the academic community. Editors rely on respected experts to evaluate manuscripts, and his frequent invitations speak to his reputation for fairness, precision, and deep subject-matter expertise. One expert described his impact best: “His unique combination of skills, experience, and research focus positions him to make exceptional contributions that will substantially benefit our nation’s rural agricultural communities and the economy.”

With this compelling evidence, NAILG crafted an EB1A petition that told the story behind the achievements, the real-world needs his work addresses, the scholars who rely on his findings, and the communities whose futures stand to benefit. Once submitted, the case moved swiftly, and in just 16 days, he received his approval.

It has been an honor to support both his NIW and EB1A victories. His work promises to strengthen rural communities across the United States, and NAILG is proud to have played a role in helping him continue this important mission.

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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 Tens of 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.