Case Summary:  

In this case, the client sought an EB-2 National Interest Waiver based on work at the intersection of chemical engineering and advanced computation. The client holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and is currently employed as a Modeling and Simulation Engineer, applying computational approaches to complex chemical process challenges. The proposed endeavor focuses on developing and enhancing computational tools and algorithms that improve the efficiency of chemical processes while supporting environmental sustainability, maintaining economic competitiveness, and prioritizing process safety.

A key theme of the petition was translating technical research into a clear national-impact narrative. The client’s modeling and optimization work supports applications such as improving carbon management strategies and strengthening complex industrial decision-making—areas closely tied to U.S. priorities in emissions reduction, resilient infrastructure, and scalable energy and manufacturing solutions. We framed the endeavor in practical terms: better computational tools can reduce waste and carbon intensity, accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies, and help industry design safer, higher-performing processes.

To demonstrate that the client was well positioned to advance this endeavor, we documented a record of sustained research productivity and third-party recognition, without relying on subjective claims alone. At the time of filing, the client had authored 10 peer-reviewed publications (including 9 journal articles and 1 conference article) and received 338 citations. The record also included peer review service (at least 1 completed review), reflecting professional trust in the client’s technical judgment. We further supported the petition with objective evidence showing that the client’s work has been relied upon by other researchers and that specific findings in the client’s scholarship have achieved strong influence within the field.

Experts’ support helped underscore the broader significance of the client’s work. One recommender noted: “[Client]’s work plays a key role in the continued development of sustainable technologies to reduce our carbon footprint, and it is clear that he is one of the best-suited people to progress our knowledge and provide insights into this important topic. I know the field of chemical engineering research is in good hands with people like [Client] at the helm.”

North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) guided the strategy from start to finish. We structured the petition under the NIW framework, built a cohesive evidentiary record, and presented the client’s contributions in a way that was both technically accurate and accessible to a non-specialist adjudicator. Throughout the process, we focused on demonstrating significance through independent validation, connecting the endeavor to broad U.S. benefits, and presenting a clear plan for continued work in the field through the client’s ongoing industry role, while keeping the endeavor distinct from any single employer.

USCIS approved the NIW, affirming a well-supported showing of national importance and strong positioning to advance the proposed work.