Success Story: I-140 NIW Approved for Environmental Engineering Researcher From China Advancing Water Treatment
Client’s Testimonial:
"I had a great experience working with Chen Immigration for my EB-2 NIW. They were professional, responsive, and detail-oriented throughout the entire process. I truly appreciate their support and would highly recommend them to others.”
On March 19th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Post-doc Researcher in the Field of Environmental Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Environmental Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Post-doc Researcher
Country of Origin: China
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: March 19th, 2026
Processing Time: 21 months, 24 days
Case Summary:
We are pleased to announce the approval of an I-140 National Interest Waiver petition for a researcher in environmental engineering whose work addresses major challenges in water quality, pollutant control, and environmental remediation. The client holds a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering and proposed to continue research on advanced pollutant detection and control techniques for water and wastewater treatment, as well as novel remediation methods to secure drinking water and address PFAS-contaminated sites.
At the time of filing, the client was engaged in research in the environmental engineering field, and the petition showed a clear plan to continue this work in the United States. This was important because the case needed to show not only that the endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, but also that the client was well-positioned to advance it.
Advancing Safer Water Through Environmental Engineering
The client’s research was presented as directly responsive to pressing U.S. needs in water treatment and contamination control. Work in pollutant detection, treatment optimization, and PFAS remediation has obvious public health and environmental significance, especially where safer drinking water and more effective cleanup strategies are concerned.
Research Impact and Professional Recognition
In support of the petition, we documented:
- 9 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 3 first-authored papers, and 1 technical report
- 346 citations to the client’s published work
- At least 21 completed peer reviews
- Evidence of major funding support connected to the client’s work
These metrics were not presented as self-sufficient. Instead, they were framed as evidence of independent recognition. The citation record suggested that other researchers were relying on the client’s findings, while the peer-review activity showed trust in the client’s technical judgment. The funding evidence further supported the seriousness and relevance of the research.
Recommendation Letters
The petition also included 2 recommendation letters that helped explain the significance of the client’s contributions and why the client is well-positioned to continue advancing this endeavor.
“Ensuring that [Clients’] work proceeds is thus not only important to the field but to the United States as well.”
Approval and Outcome
By connecting the client’s past achievements to a clearly defined future research plan, we demonstrated that granting a waiver of the labor certification requirement would benefit the United States. We are proud to have supported this client in achieving NIW approval and look forward to the client’s continued contributions in environmental engineering.