Z is a recent business graduate who was not selected in the H-1B lottery during one year of OPT. With our firm's help, Z had previously been approved for an O-1, and that filing had already laid groundwork for a future NIW.

With no publications, peer review experience, or citations, a business background offers little advantage on the traditional academic NIW pathway.

Working with the end goal in mind, we had already built evidence of achievements combining business and AI into the O-1 petition. At the NIW stage, we further strengthened the case for practical impact with successful projects, media coverage, and expert endorsements.

NIW approved on first submission with no RFE, building on the earlier O-1 that was also approved without RFE.