Background
Our client, a company focused on biodegradable microencapsulation technologies, was making global advancements in sustainable materials science. They were developing solutions to address the environmental risks brought by traditional microencapsulation, which is commonly used in agrochemicals, household products, and personal care items. Curious about what microencapsulation is? Have you ever had a fish oil pill and wondered how they coated the pill to mask the taste and smell of the pill? It was microencapsulation. Microencapsulation enhances product efficacy and stability, but the materials are typically non-biodegradable. The non-biodegradable microplastics from these products contaminate water, disrupt the food chain, and pose severe health risks to humans. However, our client’s solution involved creating plant-based biodegradable materials to replace these toxic, non-biodegradable microcapsules.
VisaNation Case Strategy
For an O-1A visa, applicants must provide evidence of extraordinary ability, often through major, internationally recognized awards. Even though our client was making groundbreaking progress in the field, we needed to build a strong case for the person they were bringing on. Now, if the applicant lacks such an award, they can instead offer proof of:
- Internationally recognized prizes or awards
- Membership in esteemed associations
- Published material
- Participation on expert panels
- Original contributions to the field
- Authorship of scholarly articles
- Employment in essential roles at distinguished organizations
- A high salary or the potential to earn a high salary
Case
Charlotte, an expert from China in materials science, with a focus on biodegradable polymers, was already recognized internationally for her contributions. We compiled compelling evidence presenting her as one of the leading experts in the biodegradable products field, which only had a small group of professionals at the forefront of advancing sustainable technologies.
Her role in the U.S. would be to commercialize biodegradable microencapsulation technology to reduce microplastic pollution. We emphasized the significance of our client’s work in creating a more sustainable world by producing eco-friendly products. Now, that is not enough to qualify for an O-1A visa.
It was crucial to explain how microplastics are causing increasing health problems and environmental damage, underscoring the importance of Charlotte’s contributions.
In the petition, we included:
- Educational credentials
- Her work is on panels
- Scholarly contributions
- Original work
- Journals
- Evidence of future work
Even though Charlotte brought over 20 years of experience in the environmental sector, we needed to explain how that experience demonstrated an extraordinary ability that didn’t already exist in the field. Her work on biodegradable materials extends to less invasive medical devices, and her creation of nanoparticles marks a breakthrough in polymer chemistry.
Nonetheless, we highlighted her entrepreneurial skills and the applications of her work in microencapsulation. Beyond the biomedical industry, her technology could improve the pesticide sector by enabling controlled releases and reducing human exposure to harmful chemicals. This was key in the case, as we highlighted this innovative step and explained how it would mitigate detrimental environmental impacts.
Verdict
In less than 20 days, Charlotte’s O-1A visa was approved!
