Success Story: Overcoming RFE to Secure NIW Approval for a Pharmaceutical Sciences Researcher

Posted by wegreened on July 8, 2026 in Pharmaceutical Sciences, NIW

Client’s Testimonial:

"Thank you very much for all your help and support throughout my NIW case. I truly appreciate the effort from your team, especially during the RFE stage. I’m very happy that my I-140 has been approved.”

On May 7^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Associate Researcher in the Field of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Approval Notice).

General Field: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Associate Researcher

Country of Origin: China

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Kansas

Approval Notice Date: May 7^th, 2026

Processing Time: 11 months, 8 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

An associate researcher from China sought legal assistance from the North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) for an NIW petition based on her work in pharmaceutical sciences. The client held a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical chemistry and had developed specialized expertise in mass spectrometry-based analytical methods, bioanalysis, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and biopharmaceutical research.

The petition focused on her proposed endeavor to develop and apply advanced analytical methods for characterizing and quantifying small and large molecules in biopharmaceutical research. Our team emphasized how this work supports faster and more reliable drug development, improves the evaluation of therapeutic candidates, and advances innovation in pharmaceutical sciences.

Although USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) on December 16, 2025, the adjudicator confirmed that the proposed endeavor possessed both substantial merit and national importance. The remaining challenge was to further demonstrate that the client was well-positioned to advance her work. In response, our legal team prepared a detailed RFE rebuttal supported by updated and expanded evidence.

The response highlighted the client’s strong record of 10 peer-reviewed journal articles, 1 preprint, and 1 patent application, with publications appearing in respected venues. Her work had received 153 citations, including 107 independent citations, and several of her papers ranked among the top 10% and top 20% most-cited Pharmacology & Toxicology articles for their publication years.

We also documented her extensive peer review service, including at least 40 completed reviews for journals and conferences in pharmaceutical sciences. The petition emphasized that, due to its clear national importance, her research had been supported by funding from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Secured following a Premium Processing upgrade requested on October 15, 2025, this successful turnaround reflects NAILG’s careful presentation of a case that connected the client’s pharmaceutical sciences background, citation impact, peer review record, and future research plans to broader U.S. interests in drug development, therapeutic innovation, and biopharmaceutical competitiveness.

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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 Sixty-four Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With nearly 64,000 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 nearly 64,000 in 2025.

Track Record of Success EB-1 and NIW Approvals

(2012.01 - 2025.12)

Category	Approval or Refund^®		Approval or Refiling^TM
	Approval or Refund^®
Category	Approved Sum	Success Rate	Approved Sum	Success Rate
NIW	42,047	99%	5,258	97%
EB1A	9,218	91%	4,534	86%
EB1B	1,488	98%	448	93%
Total	52,753	98%	10,240	92%