Success Story: Food Science Research Leads to NIW Approval Without RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
"It has been a great experience working with you."
On July 29th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Lecturer in the Field of Food Science (Approval Notice).
General Field: Food Science
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Lecturer
Country of Origin: Iran
Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Iran
Approval Notice Date: July 29th, 2026
Processing Time: 30 months, 7 days
Case Summary:
The client earned a Ph.D. in food science and industries and built a research career focused on natural-based approaches for improving the delivery and functionality of bioactive compounds. At the time of filing, the client was working as a lecturer outside the United States and planned to continue food science research involving natural materials, advanced delivery systems, and sustainable technologies aimed at improving the effectiveness, stability, and usability of bioactive compounds.
North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) presented the proposed endeavor as an effort to advance food science through safer and more effective delivery systems for bioactive compounds used in food and pharmaceutical products. The goal was to improve food and pharmaceutical formulations and contribute to public health by addressing the limited bioavailability, structural instability, and practical application of bioactive compounds.
At the time of filing, the client’s scholarly accomplishments included 8 peer-reviewed journal articles (5 first-authored articles), 340 citations, and at least 9 completed peer reviews. Rather than presenting these metrics as isolated academic achievements, the petition demonstrated that the client’s work had practical value for advancing food science and natural product delivery. To establish national importance, the filing emphasized how natural-based delivery systems can support safer food and pharmaceutical products, respond to growing demand for natural antioxidants, and advance technologies related to biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, and nanomanufacturing.
The petition also explained that the client’s research had been relied upon by independent researchers in studies involving various areas of food science and bioactive compound research, including natural product systems and delivery technologies. These examples helped show that the client’s work had influenced later research and contributed to practical methods for improving the stability, delivery, and functional use of bioactive compounds.
The petition was supported by 2 recommendation letters from experts in the field, including 1 independent advisory opinion. These expert letters further reinforced the client’s ability to continue contributing to food science by explaining the relevance of the client’s research background, publication record, citation impact, and continued plans in the field. One expert noted:
"His impressive achievements and unique skills firmly establish [Client] at the forefront of the food science field, highlighting his essential role as a leading researcher in the discipline."
By connecting the client’s Ph.D. training, peer-reviewed publications, citation record, peer-review activity, expert support, and planned research to a focused proposed endeavor, we showed that the client was well positioned to advance nationally important work.
Ultimately, this approval recognized the value of continued research aimed at improving natural-based delivery systems, advancing food and pharmaceutical product safety, supporting bioactive compound applications, and strengthening food science innovation in the United States.