Finally Approved – EB2 NIW (Physician) after RFE 🎉
I wanted to share my journey because reading others’ timelines here helped me a lot during stressful months.
Profile:
• Filed under Physician/Healthcare National Interest Waiver pathway
Timeline:
• Priority Date: 12/31/2025
• Premium Processing filed: 01/21/2026
• RFE received on Prong 1 & 3 on 02/19/2026
• Submitted detailed RFE response with substantial evidence, recommendation letters, future plans, national importance arguments, and supporting exhibits
• RFE response delivered 05/06/2026
• Approval received: 05/11/2026
Best part:
The approval came very quickly after RFE response submission. Initially the online tracker still showed “Case Remains Pending/Processing,” but shortly afterward I received the official premium processing approval email from Texas Service Center, followed by the soft copy I-797 approval notice.
Approval Category:
• EB2 NIW (E21)
• Texas Service Center
One thing that made me anxious during this process was that most EB2 NIW posts and examples I found online were from PhD researchers, engineers, or applicants already inside the US. I could hardly find detailed physician-category experiences, especially from doctors outside the US, so at times I felt confused and unsure whether my case would be viewed strongly enough.
But everything went perfectly in the end.
I also want to honestly mention that I prepared and handled case myself with the help of AI tools, extensive research, and careful drafting. I learned that the quality of prompts and the way evidence is structured can make a huge difference. With the correct strategy, organization, and detailed prompting, AI tools can help create very strong drafts and supporting materials.
Honestly, the RFE phase was mentally exhausting. There were moments of doubt and overthinking every detail of the response package. But persistence paid off.
A few things I personally learned:
• Clear future endeavor and national impact explanation are extremely important
• Recommendation letters should be specific and evidence-based
• Don’t panic after RFE
• AI tools are powerful if used correctly and carefully
Very grateful to everyone in these communities who shared experiences and guidance throughout the process.
Wishing approval and success to everyone still waiting. Stay hopeful and keep going.
*Belongs to 75 Paused Countries list & Outside US*