Many in the U.S. face uncertainty due to work visa constraints. I faced same and was unaware of self-petition greencard through pathways like EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), or O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability).

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When I applied in 2017, there weren’t many good examples to follow. It was difficult to figure out how to represent myself and explain the significance of my work. Brendan Delaney, an immigration lawyer provided oversight, however individuals related to my filed or myself can better explain the value of the my work. That’s why I’m now sharing the core content of my own successful application — for anyone currently struggling to navigate this path.

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The hardest part of these applications isn’t eligibility — it’s presenting your work effectively. 

A well written personal statement and strong recommendation letters helps to frame your contributions and convey their significance. I know many qualified individuals who were denied simply because they didn’t communicate their impact clearly.

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I navigated the process on my own (without a lawyer or employer sponsorship) and focused on three key questions:

1) What is my contribution?

2) Why does it matter?

3) How do I tell that story clearly and convincingly?

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Extraordinary ability? National Interest?

"The work we do often has more value than we realize" — me

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Entrepreneurs challenge norms and create opportunity.

Scientists build incremental yet essential knowledge.

Artists, engineers, educators, storytellers — we all contribute to progress and community in different ways.

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What matters is how you frame your work. 

For example: .

• How does your code help doctors make better decisions?

• How does your design promote safety or resilience?

• How does your startup drive innovation and economic growth?

• How is your research transforming public health outcomes?

• How does your writing preserve cultural identity or influence public discourse?

• How does your art shape social narratives or foster community healing?

• How does your engineering solution improve sustainability or infrastructure?

• How does your teaching model close learning gaps or uplift underrepresented groups?

• How does your product bring access or affordability to essential services?

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Technically my case was about showing how:

— a warming device can improve surgical outcomes, 

— reorganizing a physician’s calendar can lead to better cancer care, 

— or how certain medications causes more harm than good. 

And ultimately — what is the value of that work, and why should it matter to the U.S.?.

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I hope this helps. Good luck!

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Zohaib Akhtar

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