Success Story: From RFE to NIW Approval: NAILG Secures EB-2 NIW for a Semiconductor Researcher

Posted by wegreened on November 2, 2026 in NIW, Semiconductors

Client’s Testimonial:

“Thank you very much! I really appreciate all your help and support throughout the NIW process.”

On September 17^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Engineer in the Field of Semiconductors (Approval Notice).

General Field: Semiconductors

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Semiconductor Engineer

Approval Notice Date: September 17^th, 2026

Processing Time: 13 months, 18 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) successfully secured an I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) approval following a Request for Evidence (RFE) for a semiconductor expert holding a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering. Currently working as a semiconductor engineer, the client’s proposed endeavor focuses on applying semiconductor device physics analysis to design architectures and develop their fabrication processes.

To overcome the RFE and establish that the client was well-positioned to advance his endeavor under Matter of Dhanasar, NAILG structured the response around concrete quantitative metrics, bibliometric context, and federal interest:

117 citations, including 85 independent citations across the global scientific community at the time of RFE.
7 peer-reviewed journal articles (2 first-authored) and 1 peer-reviewed conference paper
Major research support funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)
Top-tier bibliometric performance, including 1 paper ranking in the top 20% of most-cited materials science articles for its publication year

Rather than presenting raw metrics as self-evidently sufficient, our legal team analyzed how an adjudicator should evaluate scientific impact. We demonstrated that independent scientists globally have actively relied upon the client's novel transistor architectures, thin-film deposition techniques, and high-voltage device designs to advance flexible electronics, low-power switching, and transparent solar technologies. His research impact was supported by independent citations to his work and publications in respected peer-reviewed journals.

The record was further supported by 4 recommendation letters from field experts who verified the national security, supply chain, and clean energy benefits of his research.

By directly addressing USCIS’s concerns with updated evidence of independent reliance, federal funding documentation, and expert endorsements, NAILG successfully secured the client’s I-140 NIW approval after the RFE.

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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 69,000 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 69,000 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%