Soonhyun Park

I had a deeply disappointing experience working with her on my EB-2 NIW application, which was ultimately denied due to her poor strategy and execution. I hold a PhD in a STEM field and currently work for a major corporation. Since my employer did not offer immigration sponsorship, I pursued the ...NIW route independently—a path that required precision, especially as I was on a non-immigrant intent visa. Early approval was crucial. At first, she came across as confident and highly experienced, often criticizing other attorneys for what she called “weak strategies” that would inevitably lead to denial. I placed my trust and future in her hands. After six months of document preparation, we filed. But a year later, we received an RFE. She downplayed it, insisting RFEs were common and nothing to worry about. We submitted a thorough response, yet a few months later, the petition was denied. Her reaction? She placed all the blame on the immigration officer. When I didn’t engage with that accusation and instead asked what we should do next, she became defensive, raised her voice and accused me of blaming her. That moment made it clear: she lacked not only the right strategy, but the temperament to handle high-stakes cases. This denial also jeopardized my visa status, wasting 1.5 years of precious time. Had I been advised to use Premium Processing, we would have received a decision in just 45 days, giving me time to course-correct. When I asked why she never recommended, she claimed Premium Processing increased scrutiny and lowered approval odds. After this ordeal, I sought second opinions. Other attorneys quickly pointed out critical flaws in her filing strategy. I started over with a new firm, pursued a different approach for the NIW, used Premium Processing, and received an approval in less than 45 days, without an RFE, all during a particularly turbulent immigration climate. Looking back, her strategy was fundamentally flawed, and her complete lack of a contingency plan left me dangerously exposed. My advice: If your case requires nuance, strategic thinking, or careful handling, stay away. But if your credentials are so extraordinary that approval is all but guaranteed, she might suffice. For everyone else, protect your future. Find someone more competent.