EB-1A Approval Secured by Colombian Business Leader 

Despite a career defined by groundbreaking investment models, national economic reforms, and thousands of jobs created, USCIS questioned whether the evidence truly captured his extraordinary ability in international business development and investment promotion. 

The agency issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) that placed his entire record under scrutiny, specifically: 

• Whether his membership in an exclusive association required outstanding achievement for admission. 

• Whether he has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations that have a distinguished reputation.  

• If international media coverage submitted qualified as “major” publications. 

• Whether his original contributions and leadership roles had clear and significant importance. 

• If his compensation data showed earnings far above those of his peers. 

Together, these questions placed his entire record under intense scrutiny. With careful preparation, our team reframed the evidence and highlighted the client’s extraordinary impact on business and economic growth, while providing supplemental evidence and targeted legal arguments. 

Attorney Nizar Kafrouni and the Colombo & Hurd team built a clear strategy to address USCIS’s concerns. “Our RFE team carefully reviews each notice to identify the specific challenges raised and outline a clear response strategy from the very beginning,” he noted. This approach ensured that every concern was addressed with stronger evidence and precise legal arguments.  Each issue raised in the RFE became an opportunity to present stronger, more detailed proof of extraordinary ability.  

The response focused on several key areas: 

• Original Contributions
  Evidence and expert letters highlighted innovative investment models and financial tools that attracted international capital and created new jobs. These outcomes proved his original and significant contributions to the field. 

• Leadership and Critical Roles
  Letters from employers and institutional records confirmed that his leadership shaped major organizations and advanced national economies. 

• Professional Membership
  Additional documentation showed that admission into an elite association required outstanding achievement, reinforcing that his selection was based on merit. 

• Media Coverage
  The response documented the global reach of outlets such as Los Angeles Times, Forbes Mexico, and El Economista. Independent data confirmed their wide readership and international influence. 

• High Compensation
  Comparative salary data and government statistics demonstrated that his earnings were well above industry standards in multiple countries. 

 This careful, well-rounded response significantly strengthened the petition. The evidence clearly showed that this Colombian business leader met multiple EB-1A criteria and had risen to the very top of his field. 

USCIS approved the petition, recognizing him as a leading figure in international business development and investment promotion. This approval opened the door to continue his work in the United States, advancing trade relations, attracting investment, and generating new opportunities for growth and employment.  

Attorney Nizar Kafrouni described the moment as an incredibly rewarding experience for both our clients and our team. “For this client, it represented the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and the opportunity to pursue professional goals in the U.S. with confidence and stability.” He added that “seeing his joy when he learned the news reminded us why we are so passionate about this work” and called it “truly gratifying to know that our guidance and strategic approach played a part in helping him reach this important milestone.” 

 If you’d like to explore whether an EB-1A could support your own vision, we offer a free evaluation here.