From Setback to Success: How a 36‑Year‑Old Real‑Estate Visionary Won Her EB‑1 Petition

When our client first approached us, she carried two things in her luggage: an impressive record of real‑estate experience — and the quiet hope of turning those achievements into a life in the United States. On paper, she was a textbook example of “extraordinary ability.” In practice, the immigration road ahead proved anything but straightforward.

The Challenge: A NOID After filing her EB‑1 petition from abroad without Premium Processing, our client waited patiently for a decision. Instead of an approval, she received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) — a formal notice from USCIS informing the petitioner that, based on the evidence currently on file, the petition is likely to be denied unless additional information is provided.

A NOID can be incredibly discouraging. It doesn’t mean the case is denied yet, but it signals serious concerns from the officer reviewing the petition. In this case, the government questioned whether our client had truly demonstrated that she belongs to the small percentage of individuals who have reached the top of her field. She was given a limited window — just 30 days — to respond with strong and convincing evidence to overcome the agency’s doubts.

Approval on June 25

Time was the enemy, but we successfully sent the response on May 16. On June 25, we opened an email that said it all: “Your Form I‑140 has been approved.” The victory belonged first to our client, whose tenacity never wavered, and second to a team that refused to let tight deadlines dilute the quality of the response. Key Takeaways for Future EB‑1 Applicants

• Expect scrutiny. Even stellar profiles can receive a NOID, especially when filings lack a cohesive narrative tying achievements to regulatory language.

• Move fast, but with purpose. A rushed, scattershot response can be worse than no response. Organize evidence so officers see how each document answers a specific concern.

• Think beyond trophies. Quantifiable impact — capital raised, deals closed, jobs created — often persuades more than awards alone.

A Final Word

Immigration journeys are rarely smooth, but they are navigable with the right strategy and support. If you're facing a NOID or thinking about starting your EB‑1 journey, we're here to help. Schedule a consultation with our team — we'll walk you through your options and build a strong plan together.

Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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