Rahma is a PhD candidate and researcher not a lawyer or legal professional. Yet, through determination and rigorous self-study, she independently navigated one of the most complex U.S. immigration pathways. In June 2024, she made the bold decision to file her own EB2-NIW petition without any legal representation.

Starting from zero, Rahma taught herself how to prepare and write the entire petition. She immersed herself in USCIS guidelines and other credible sources, mastering the process through discipline and persistence. This self-driven effort became the foundation of her success.

When she consulted with attorneys, two of whom are well-known with high success rates. They reviewed her CV and told her:
“Sorry, we are not able to take your case,” indicating that they believed her profile was not strong enough for the EB2-NIW category.

Despite this discouragement, Rahma moved forward on her own. After submitting her petition, she realistically anticipated receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE), given the complexity of the process.

Instead, she achieved what many would consider unlikely: a direct approval of her  I-140 petition with no RFE from USCIS.

She then continued to independently manage the second stage of the process, ultimately securing approval for her green card on March 2026.

Rahma’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, self-reliance, and the ability to succeed against professional doubt.