Success Story: Overcoming RFE to Achieve NIW Approval for a Human Molecular Genetics Expert
Client’s Testimonial:
"Thank you team for the wonderful work. Really appreciate all your help and support."
On May 8th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Associate in the Field of Molecular Genetics (Approval Notice).
General Field: Molecular Genetics
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Associate
Country of Origin: South Korea
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Texas
Approval Notice Date: May 8th, 2026
Processing Time: 5 months, 25 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
North America Immigration Law Group is pleased to share that we secured I-140 NIW approval for the client, an expert in human molecular genetics who holds a Ph.D. in biological sciences. The case was filed with Premium Processing at the time of filing and received an RFE before ultimately being approved.
The client’s proposed endeavor focused on examining how genetic variants affect brain development through functional genomic approaches. In the petition, we explained that this work supports the discovery of mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, strengthens genotype-driven diagnosis, and helps accelerate progress toward more effective treatments for affected individuals.
At the time of filing, the client was conducting research in human molecular genetics at a medical research institution. To demonstrate the national importance of the proposed endeavor, we connected the client’s work to the broader need for improved diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as the advancement of biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and functional genomic tools.
The petition also showed that the client was well-positioned to continue this work. The client had authored 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 7 first-authored articles, and these publications had received 105 citations. We did not present these numbers as sufficient by themselves. Instead, we explained that the citation record showed independent use of the client’s findings by other researchers, while the publication record reflected sustained scholarly contributions in a specialized area of genetics and neurological disease research.
We further highlighted the client’s National Institute of Health (NIH)-supported research and at least 4 completed peer reviews. The funding helped demonstrate that the client’s work aligned with recognized research priorities, while the peer-review activity showed that journals had trusted the client to evaluate new work in the field.
Following the RFE, we reinforced how the client’s functional genomic research, citation history, selective funding support, and peer-review service collectively showed both the national importance of the endeavor and the client’s ability to advance it. We congratulate the client on this NIW approval and wish him continued success in his research.