Success Story: From RFE to Approval: Indian Postdoc Secures EB1A with Our Guidance

Client’s Testimonial:

“Thank you for the update. I appreciate the efforts of the Chen Immigration Team in filing the petition and responding to the RFE.”

On June 17^th, 2025, we received another EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Field of Plant Molecular Biology and Genetics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Plant Molecular Biology and Genetics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Country of Origin: India

State of Residence at the time of filing: Washington

Approval Notice Date: June 17^th, 2025

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

Case Summary:

We are pleased to share the success story of an I-140 EB1A (Extraordinary Ability) petition approval for a plant molecular biology expert whose case was approved following a Request for Evidence (RFE). This outcome demonstrates both the strength of the client’s achievements and the careful preparation by our firm in securing approval despite challenges during adjudication.

Scientific Contributions with National and Global Impact
With a Ph.D. in plant molecular biology, our client is a recognized authority in plant genetics and genomics, functional genomics, molecular breeding, and crop improvement. His research aims to accelerate the development of high-yield, climate-resilient crops by identifying and validating key genetic markers. At the time of filing, he was engaged in research that contributes to global food security through enhanced chickpea improvement, aligning with U.S. national and international efforts to address agricultural sustainability and climate adaptation.

Evidence of Original Contributions and Widespread Recognition
To establish the client’s extraordinary ability, NAILG highlighted the originality and impact of his work in both research and application. The petition documented:

● 14 peer-reviewed journal articles in well-regarded scientific outlets.

● A total citation count of 431 according to Google Scholar, demonstrating the research’s reach and influence.

● At least 30 completed peer reviews for international journals, indicating professional recognition and trust in his scientific judgment.

Support from Esteemed Experts
To strengthen the petition, NAILG submitted four letters of recommendation from established researchers and professionals in plant biology and agriculture. These experts attested to the client’s pioneering discoveries and the relevance of his work to major global agricultural initiatives. One recommender noted:

“In conclusion, I am certain that the extraordinary talent and efforts of [Client] have made a unique and key contribution to current concepts of plant biology that underpin research-driven advances in plant improvement. He is a goal-oriented scientist with a long-standing commitment to research.”

Government-Funded and Application-Oriented Research
Another key element of the petition was the demonstration that the client’s work had received research funding from respected agencies, including the Department of Biotechnology (Government of India) and the U.S. Department of Energy. This financial backing emphasized the high merit and practical significance of his research to national and international agricultural development.

Overcoming RFE and Achieving Approval
Despite receiving an RFE, our team at NAILG promptly addressed the USCIS concerns with a comprehensive response that clarified the client’s sustained influence, scholarly independence, and the applicability of his research to national interests. The EB1A petition was ultimately approved in June 2025, through premium processing.

We are proud to have assisted this accomplished scientist in his successful EB1A petition and look forward to his continued contributions to advancing agricultural resilience and innovation in the United States and beyond.

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.