EB-1A Case Study: AI Research Scientist From Mexico Approval in 3 Months 11 Days

Although our client’s achievements were extensive and well-documented, USCIS issued an RFE questioning several EB-1A criteria, particularly those tied to membership in distinguished associations, original contributions of major significance, and evidence of high remuneration.  

As Attorney Jason Qiu explained, the challenge did not stem from the strength of her credentials, but rather from the complexity of presenting highly technical accomplishments in a way that was accessible and persuasive to a USCIS officer. The legal team needed to clearly demonstrate why her research mattered, how it influenced the field of Artificial Intelligence, and how it contributed to measurable progress beyond academia. 

While USCIS acknowledged her strong scholarly record, the RFE indicated a need for clearer evidence showing how her research translated into real-world impact. As Attorney Qiu stated, the key difficulty lay in bridging that gap between substance and perception:  

“It wasn’t that her work wasn’t strong. It was that the story around her accomplishments needed to be clearer. Our task was to make complex jargon understandable and turn technical impact into a narrative that demonstrated extraordinary ability.” 

When the RFE was issued, Attorney Jason Qiu approached the response with a focus on clarity. The officer outlined which criteria had already been approved and which required further evidence, giving the legal team a clear direction to strengthen the remaining arguments. 

Two criteria were already accepted: judging the work of others and authorship of scholarly articles. Our legal team then strengthened three additional areas: membership in distinguished associations, original contributions of major significance, and evidence of high remuneration. “We realized it wasn’t about adding more evidence,” Attorney Qui explained. “It was about helping the officer understand why her work mattered.” 

To address the membership criterion, Attorney Qiu and his team provided proof that our client’s selection to Mexico’s National System of Researchers required rigorous peer review and recognized measurable impact. For original contributions, the team reframed her research achievements through stronger expert letters that illustrated how her algorithms influenced peers and advanced AI testing worldwide. Finally, the high remuneration criterion was strengthened with verified salary data and institutional records that confirmed the client’s professional standing.  

The response was carefully organized as a coherent, persuasive argument addressing each point raised by USCIS. Instead of simply adding more evidence, the legal team emphasized the significance of the existing documentation, clarifying its context and relevance to highlight the client’s extraordinary ability and ensure her accomplishments were fully recognized. 

USCIS approved the case, confirming the client’s extraordinary ability in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.  She can now continue her research in the U.S., contributing to national advancement in AI, technology, and higher education. 

Attorney Qiu reflected, “It was important that her work was recognized for her contributions that shape the field and open new paths for innovation.” 

• Strong Evidence: Each piece of documentation clearly supported the EB-1A visa requirements and highlighted the client’s excellence in her field. 

• Clear Narrative: The legal team presented her technical research in a way that was easy to understand, showing how her work made a real impact. 

• Credible Support: Expert letters from colleagues and collaborators helped demonstrate the global value of her contributions. 

• Proven Achievement: Salary records, publications, and memberships all reinforced her standing as a top professional in computer science and AI.