Success Story: NAILG Secures NIW Approval for Clinical Researcher Advancing Ophthalmology Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Client’s Testimonial:
"I am grateful to North America Immigration Law Group for guiding my EB-2 NIW petition to approval. Even though my case was not that complicated, in my opinion, USCIS issued an RFE questioning whether my earlier surgical and cardiovascular research was connected to my current work in ophthalmology. The North America Immigration Law Group team responded with a clear, well-reasoned argument that tied my research trajectory together and showed how my methodological expertise directly supports my proposed endeavor. They also gathered concrete evidence of how independent scientists were using my work, which made the response compelling. Throughout the long process, they were responsive, organized, and patient with my questions. I would highly recommend The North America Immigration Law Group to any researcher pursuing an NIW, especially those with a complex or interdisciplinary background.”
On August 10th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Visiting Instructor in the Field of Medicine and Surgery (Approval Notice).
General Field: Medicine and Surgery
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Visiting Instructor
Country of Origin: Iran
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: August 10th, 2026
Processing Time: 32 months, 27 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
Our client, a visiting instructor and medical researcher, sought a National Interest Waiver (NIW) to continue their vital work in the United States. Working in the field of medicine and surgery, the client’s proposed endeavor centered on developing advanced diagnostic and treatment methods within ophthalmology. By investigating complex conditions and the visual manifestations of systemic diseases, the client aimed to establish new clinical guidelines and reduce the immense healthcare costs associated with severe vision loss. Given that vision impairment represented a massive annual economic burden and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., this research held profound national importance for both public health and economic stability.
Strategic Case Presentation
To demonstrate that the client was well-positioned to advance this critical endeavor, North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) structured a comprehensive petition highlighting the client's distinguished track record in clinical research. The evidence established that the client had authored 23 peer-reviewed journal articles, which had been published in leading, highly ranked journals.
The petition further demonstrated the widespread influence of the client's work through an impressive citation record. The client’s publications had garnered 264 citations (increased from 111) from independent researchers worldwide, placing them in the top 8% of researchers in their field for citation impact.
Overcoming the RFE
During the adjudication process, USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) questioning whether the client had a sufficient track record of success directly related to the proposed endeavor, suggesting that previous cardiovascular and surgical research was disconnected from ophthalmology.
North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) swiftly responded by carefully connecting the client's past research trajectory to their current focus. We argued that the client’s earlier work on surgical outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors developed the exact large-scale data analysis and clinical trial methodologies required to advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in ophthalmology. Furthermore, NAILG provided concrete examples of independent scientists actively using the client's ophthalmology research to develop clinical guidelines, standardize regulatory evaluations, and design safer viral vector treatments. This was corroborated by strong letters of support from collaborating experts at leading institutions.
Outcome
By systematically addressing the officer's concerns and providing a holistic view of the client's methodological expertise and field-wide influence, NAILG successfully satisfied all three prongs of the Dhanasar framework. A premium processing request was made on July 24th, 2026. The EB-2 NIW petition was approved on August 10th, 2026.