Success Story: Dual NIW and EB-1A Approvals for a Novel Devices Researcher Advancing Two-Dimensional Materials and Nanotechnology
Client’s Testimonial:
"Excellent services.”
On April 24th, 2026, and May 27th, 2026, we received EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) and EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approvals for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Field of Novel Devices (Approval Notice).
General Field: Novel Devices
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Fellow
Country of Origin: China
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: South Carolina
Approval Notice Date: April 24th, 2026, and May 27th, 2026
Processing Time: 4 months, 8 days (NIW); 2 months, 1 day (EB1A) (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)
Case Summary:
Our firm had the privilege of guiding this client through two major immigration milestones: securing his I-140 NIW approval in April 2026 and subsequently winning his I-140 EB-1A approval in May 2026.
A Timeline of Accelerated Success
Our strategic partnership began with the preparation of his National Interest Waiver petition. Filed in December 2025, the NIW petition was approved on April 24th, 2026, after a premium processing upgrade was requested.
Building on this success, we filed his EB-1A petition in March 2026. After a premium processing upgrade was requested, USCIS approved the EB-1A petition on May 27th, 2026, resulting in another important approval for this accomplished researcher.
Advancing Novel Devices and Two-Dimensional Materials
The petitioner, equipped with a Ph.D. in electronic science and technology, has built a strong research record in novel devices. At the time of filing, he was conducting research at a U.S. university, where his work involved two-dimensional layered materials, device fabrication, device characterization, and the investigation of physical properties that may support future advances in nanotechnology.
His proposed endeavor centered on developing and characterizing state-of-the-art devices based on two-dimensional layered materials through innovations in material synthesis, fabrication, and advanced measurement techniques. We demonstrated under the Dhanasar framework that this work has substantial merit and national importance because it supports progress in next-generation electronics, energy storage, nanoscale manufacturing, communications, and broader U.S. leadership in nanotechnology.
To contextualize the significance of his work, we presented 4 letters of recommendation from experts that explain the practical value of his research. As one recommender noted:
“In conclusion, [Client] is a talented scientist and innovator in the field of 2D materials and novel device technologies.”
A Strong Record of Peer Recognition and Independent Reliance
To satisfy the NIW requirements and later demonstrate the client’s extraordinary ability for EB-1A, we carefully organized his objective record of achievement:
- Publication Record: We highlighted that the client had documented his research in 21 peer-reviewed journal articles and 6 peer-reviewed conference articles.
- Citation Metrics: We demonstrated that his published work had been cited 968 times, reflecting meaningful reliance by researchers in the field of novel devices, materials science, nanoscale measurement, and energy storage.
- Peer Review Authority: We showcased his service as a judge of his peers’ work, including at least 33 completed peer reviews for scholarly journals.
Beyond listing these achievements, we explained how the client’s work had influenced the broader field. His research contributed to controlled material design for high-performance energy storage devices and efficient transfer fabrication with advanced electrical-optical measurement of nanoscale devices. We also emphasized bibliometric evidence showing that several of his papers ranked among highly cited materials science publications for their respective years, supporting the argument that his work had received significant recognition from the research community.
By integrating the client’s advanced degree, current research role, publication record, citation impact, peer review service, and recommendation letters, we demonstrated both the national importance of his proposed endeavor for NIW and his sustained acclaim for EB-1A. We are honored to have secured both approvals for this researcher and look forward to seeing his continued contributions to novel devices, two-dimensional materials, and nanotechnology in the United States.