EB-2 NIW Green Card Approval for a General Physician from Saudi Arabia

Working with a client whose expertise is highly technical added another dimension to the process. Attorney Labreque explained: “USCIS officers review cases from many different professional backgrounds, so it’s important to explain highly technical work in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Our job is to take what the client does and present it in terms anyone can follow. That’s where the real work happens, and that’s where we add the most value.”

The evidence showed that one challenge facing the field is the limited number of surgeons trained in minimally invasive spinal surgery. The client’s proposed endeavor focused on helping address that challenge through education and training. His program aligns directly with federal priorities, including neurological surgery residency training initiatives led by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Quality and Meaningful Measures Initiatives.

Beyond workforce development, the economic case was equally clear. Traditional spinal surgery carries costs beyond the procedure itself, including longer recovery times and the financial burden of complications. Expanding access to minimally invasive techniques addresses those costs head-on.

As Attorney Labreque explained: “What stood out is that this isn’t just a strong surgeon. He identified a specific gap in how minimally invasive techniques are being taught and adopted, and he has a realistic, phased plan to close that gap at a national level.”

The client also brought a practical solution to this challenge. While minimally invasive spinal surgery has been used for years, adoption remains uneven because many surgeons lack access to specialized training. To help address this gap, the client developed a structured education program that combines instruction, hands-on simulation training, and supervised surgical experience. Evidence submitted with the petition, including a detailed program proposal and interest from a potential U.S. collaborator, demonstrated that the proposed endeavor was already moving forward.

Colleagues and specialists in the field provided letters of recommendation highlighting the client’s clinical expertise, research contributions, and record of educating trainees. One letter confirmed willingness to collaborate based on the program’s potential to expand surgical care capacity nationwide.

USCIS approved the EB-2 NIW petition with Premium Processing in approximately 10 days, without issuing a Request for Evidence. Attorney Diego Menendez then guided the client through the Adjustment of Status process. The client received his green card and is now a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

USCIS approved the petition based on the client’s education, experience, research contributions, and proposed endeavor to expand training in minimally invasive spinal surgery. The petition showed he advances the field rather than simply practices within it.

A confirmed collaborator letter from a U.S. institution demonstrated that the proposed endeavor was already in motion, not aspirational.

The swift approval of the I-140 under Premium Processing, granted in approximately 10 days without an RFE, demonstrated how effectively the submitted evidence satisfied the criteria USCIS applies to EB-2 NIW petitions.