Success Stories: South Carolina-based Lead Structural Engineer Receives NIW Approval 6 months After Filing (based on Matter of Dhanasar)

Posted by wegreened on February 27, 2018 in NIW, Civil Engineering (Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation, Transportation Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering)

Client’s Testimonial:

“I retained North America Immigration Law Group to file my NIW I-140 petition and I can’t be happier for making this decision. They are very professional and know what they are doing. Although I hadn’t many publications or citations, but my case was approved in about 6 months and I believe this was because of how they presented my research, showing its impact in my field. I recommend them to anyone who wants to be on the track for getting the green card.”

On May 26^th, 2017, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Lead Structural Engineer in the Field of Structural Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Structural Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Lead Structural Engineer

Country of Origin: Iran

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: South Carolina

Approval Notice Date: May 26^th, 2017

Processing Time: 6 Months, 10 Days

Case Summary:

A structural engineer born in Iran approached North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) to represent his EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) case. After going through his credentials, we concluded that his work is invaluable to the United States as it focuses on the need for advanced strategies for building and maintaining vital infrastructure as well as the techniques used to monitor infrastructure for damage —elements important to the United States’ construction industry and construction materials manufacturing industry.

We meticulously included the following information in his NIW petition:

Our client’s publication record of 2 peer-reviewed journal articles (1 of them first-authored), 3 conference papers and 2 book chapters proved his high standing as a distinguished researcher.
His citation record of 39 indicated the relevant nature of his studies to other structural engineers in the US and around the world.
His achievements have been lauded by other influential figures in the field, one of whom wrote the following in his recommendation letter: “A discontinuation of [Client]’s work is sure to come at the disadvantage of the global populace, as well. His research provides critical knowledge regarding structural soundness that plays a key role in informing new construction projects and in reinforcing existing buildings and infrastructures for safety.”

We received notification of NIW approval a little over 6 months after filing. We are pleased that our client obtained I-140 petition approval—which was adjudicated based on Matter of Dhanasar, the framework for assessing eligibility for “national interest waivers”. We wish him the best with the last step in the green card process (filing an I-485 application) and thank him for choosing us to represent his NIW.

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North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Sixty-four Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With nearly 64,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Tens of Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our cumulative total of approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to nearly 64,000 in 2025.

Track Record of Success EB-1 and NIW Approvals

(2012.01 - 2025.12)

Category	Approval or Refund^®		Approval or Refiling^TM
	Approval or Refund^®
Category	Approved Sum	Success Rate	Approved Sum	Success Rate
NIW	42,047	99%	5,258	97%
EB1A	9,218	91%	4,534	86%
EB1B	1,488	98%	448	93%
Total	52,753	98%	10,240	92%