Success Story: After Nearly 30 Months, Agricultural Science Expert Earns NIW Approval Without an RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and your highly capable and professional legal team. The process was lengthy and, at the same time, extremely concerning for me as an applicant. On several occasions throughout this process, I became discouraged due to the prolonged assessment period of my case. However, your professional team patiently responded to my numerous questions and encouraged me to remain hopeful and continue with the process. I am truly grateful and pleased to have had you as my lawyer throughout this stage. Your professionalism, patience, and continued support were greatly appreciated, and I sincerely thank you for your assistance and guidance throughout this challenging process. I hope that I will also have the opportunity to benefit from your guidance and assistance in the subsequent stages.”
On July 22nd, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Faculty member/Deputy Director in the Field of Agricultural Science (Approval Notice).
General Field: Agricultural Science
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Faculty member and Deputy Director
Country of Origin: Iran
Approval Notice Date: July 22nd, 2026
Processing Time: 29 months, 27 days
Case Summary:
Improving agricultural productivity is not simply a matter of producing more crops. Sustainable production also requires controlling plant disease, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, improving seed quality, and adapting cultivation practices to environmental conditions. These interconnected challenges shaped the client's proposed endeavor to identify factors limiting seed production and develop methods that improve crop yield and quality. In preparing the NIW case, North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) connected this research to broader concerns involving food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and the economic importance of U.S. agricultural production. After a lengthy adjudication lasting 29 months and 27 days, USCIS approved the petition on July 22nd, 2026.
The client's record demonstrated extensive preparation to continue this work. Rather than centering the case on one research project, we presented a sustained body of agricultural research addressing seed production, crop diseases, potato cultivation, and biological alternatives to conventional agricultural inputs. The evidence included:
- Ph.D. in agronomy
- 42 peer-reviewed journal articles
- 40 peer-reviewed conference papers
- 142 citations to published research
- At least 25 completed peer reviews
- Service on the editorial board of a scholarly journal
- Research support from a science and technology funding organization
Independent researchers subsequently used these findings when investigating crop dormancy and germination, plant responses to pathogens, and the development of sustainable biofertilizers. Research involving beneficial soil microbes was also utilized by scientists exploring more sustainable approaches to crop cultivation. This widespread independent reliance helped demonstrate that the client's work had already contributed practical, actionable knowledge to subsequent agricultural and food security research.
The approval provides the client with an opportunity to build on years of research addressing practical challenges in crop production. By continuing to investigate seed quality, potato production, environmental conditions, and sustainable agricultural methods, the client aims to develop approaches that can improve yields while reducing production costs and dependence on chemical inputs. We are pleased to have supported this NIW case and look forward to seeing the client continue applying agricultural science to more productive and sustainable farming practices.