Case Summary:  

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a computer engineering expert with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The client approached NAILG for representation to obtain immigration approval for research focused on developing advanced medical robotic exoskeletons for rehabilitation and assistive care. After a thorough presentation of the client’s achievements and the national importance of the proposed endeavor, NAILG successfully demonstrated that the client’s work holds substantial merit and national importance, leading to approval.

Research Focus and Contributions

The client’s proposed endeavor centers on designing and developing state-of-the-art medical robotic exoskeletons intended to serve as rehabilitation or assistive devices for individuals with disabilities. The research advances upper-limb robotic systems, human–machine interfaces, and intelligent control frameworks so that people with mobility and dexterity limitations can achieve stronger functional recovery and improved independence. By enabling safer and more effective rehabilitation tools, the client’s work contributes to improving mobility outcomes and overall quality of life for a large population of individuals living with disabilities in the United States.

To date, the client has authored 4 peer-reviewed journal articles (including 2 first-authored), 4 peer-reviewed conference articles (with 1 first-authored), 1 first-authored preprint, and 1 patent application. The client’s body of work has received 53 citations, reflecting growing scientific influence in medical robotics and human–exoskeleton interaction. Independent researchers have relied on the client’s findings to improve actuator design, refine glove-based rehabilitation systems, and strengthen intention-recognition methods for assistive robotics. This growing reliance confirms that the client’s contributions are helping to shape next-generation rehabilitation technologies.

The petition also highlighted that at least two of the client’s papers rank among the more highly cited engineering publications for their years, underscoring notable impact relative to the field and demonstrating the originality of the client’s methods.

Well-Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor

With advanced training in electrical and computer engineering and specialized expertise in rehabilitation robotics, the client is well-positioned to continue advancing this critical endeavor. The petition emphasized the client’s ability to integrate mechanical design, sensing systems, and intelligent control into portable exoskeleton platforms. The client currently works as a senior robotics systems engineer in the United States, continuing to develop assistive robotic technologies and advancing the engineering foundations needed for scalable clinical deployment.

The client’s forward-looking plan includes improving upper-limb exoskeleton design, optimizing human–machine interfaces, refining learning-based control strategies, and continuing to publish original research. These factors collectively demonstrate a strong capacity to sustain and expand this nationally important work.

Support from Experts in the Field

To substantiate the NIW petition, NAILG presented two strong letters of recommendation from recognized experts in robotics and rehabilitation engineering. These letters attested to the originality and practical importance of the client’s contributions, confirming that advanced robotic exoskeleton systems are essential to improving rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities.

“Thus, [Client’s] record of achievement to date more than supports the case for the benefits of his unique skill set to the United States.”

NIW Approval and Outlook

The client’s EB-2 NIW petition was approved after NAILG demonstrated the national significance of assistive and rehabilitative robotic exoskeleton research and the client’s proven ability to advance this endeavor. This approval reflects USCIS recognition that the client’s continued work will support improved mobility, lower disability-related healthcare burdens, and strengthen U.S. leadership in critical and emerging medical robotics technologies.

NAILG is proud to have represented the client in this successful NIW petition and commends the client’s dedication to advancing rehabilitation robotics that improve the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities across the United States.