Success Story: Without an RFE, NIW Approval Followed by EB-1A Approval for a Researcher from China
Client’s Testimonial:
"It was really a great pleasure to work with the Chen Immigration Law team again. The attorneys I worked with, particularly A. L., are very professional. The whole process was very smooth and efficient. I would highly recommend the WeGreened team.”
On December 5th, 2024, and March 20th, 2026, we received I-140 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) Approvals for an Associate Staff Scientist in the Field of Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science (Approval Notice).
General Field: Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Associate Staff Scientist
Country of Origin: China
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: December 5th, 2024 & March 20th, 2026 (NIW & EB-1A)
Processing Time: 13 months, 8 days (NIW); and 18 days (EB-1A) (Premium Processing Requested For EB-1A)
Case Summary:
Equipped with both an M.S. and a B.S. in nuclear engineering and science, our client focuses his research on a highly critical area: developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models to understand complex material behaviors. By utilizing these advanced computational tools, his proposed endeavor accelerates discoveries essential to the clean energy transition, specifically impacting the performance and efficiency of solar energy storage systems, semiconductors, and molten salt reactors.
Unprecedented Federal Support
Our client, a researcher with a Ph.D. and an M.S. in materials science and engineering, built an impressive record in condensed matter physics and materials science, with particular expertise in experimental studies of quantum materials. In the NIW case, we emphasized the national importance of the client’s work on quantum material systems tied to superconductivity, quantum computing, and advanced energy technologies. We later refiled under EB-1A, and that petition was approved in just 18 days under Premium Processing.
At the time of filing, the client was working as an associate staff scientist in the United States, continuing research on novel phases in quantum materials. That ongoing role helped show both continuity and a clear future path in the field.
The client’s record included 18 peer-reviewed journal articles, 4 preprints, and 14 abstracts, along with at least 32 completed reviews. These metrics were persuasive not simply because of their size, but because they reflected sustained peer-recognized output and trust from respected journals to judge the work of others. The client’s published work had also been cited extensively by independent researchers, confirming that others were relying on these findings to advance their own investigations.
We also highlighted support from the U.S. Department of Energy, which reinforced the broader scientific importance of the research. In addition, 4 recommendation letters helped explain why the client’s contributions were original, widely relied upon, and influential across the field. Quote to be inserted later.
We are delighted to have helped secure approval in both petition categories and wish the client continued success.