"Wonderful news indeed! Really appreciate your team's help with everything! Certainly cannot achieve it without you guys.”

On April 15^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Cybersecurity Research Engineer in the field of Cybersecurity (Approval Notice).

General Field: Cybersecurity

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Cybersecurity Research Engineer

Country of Origin: Taiwan

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Hawaii

Approval Notice Date: April 15^th, 2026

Processing Time: 1 month, 6 days (Premium Processing Requested

Case Summary:

Software reliability is often decided long before a product ships, at the stage where vulnerabilities are found, validated, and fixed efficiently. This NIW approval highlights a Taiwanese cybersecurity research engineer whose proposed endeavor focuses on building scalable and automated methods for software security analysis, including approaches that combine reverse engineering, binary and program analysis, and modern testing strategies to detect vulnerabilities more efficiently. At the time of filing, the client was continuing this work in the United States in a role aligned with the proposed endeavor.

Research with National Importance

The NIW filing presented the endeavor as substantial in merit and nationally important because software vulnerabilities create downstream risks for critical infrastructure, commerce, and public safety. By improving how security flaws are discovered and characterized in complex software, the client’s work supports more resilient digital systems and helps reduce the cost and delay of deploying secure software across high-impact sectors.

Academic Contributions and Recognition

The petition documented objective evidence of peer-validated output and independent reliance. The client has published 3 first-authored peer-reviewed journal articles and 7 peer-reviewed conference articles, including 1 first-authored conference paper, with 85 citations in total. The filing also referenced citation-performance indicators showing that multiple publications ranked strongly within their field and publication period, supporting the conclusion that other researchers have relied on the client’s results as building blocks. In addition, the client completed at least 3 peer reviews for selective venues, reflecting professional trust in the client’s technical judgment.

Expert Endorsements

The petition included expert letters explaining why scalable vulnerability detection matters beyond any single project and why this research supports U.S. security needs across widely used software systems.

One expert emphasized the value of the client’s continued work in the United States and stated:

“Because of the considerable benefits that [client]’s work offers the United States, it is my professional opinion that he ought to be given every opportunity to continue his valuable work here.”

This endorsement reinforced the petition’s showing that the client’s contributions are recognized by qualified experts and that the client is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor through ongoing research activity.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on March 9th, 2026, and approved on April 15th, 2026, under Premium Processing. The approval reflects a clear NIW showing that the endeavor carries substantial merit and national importance and that the client is well-positioned through peer-reviewed publications, independent citation reliance, trusted peer engagement, and continued research activity aimed at strengthening scalable software security analysis in the United States.

"I sincerely thank the firm for agreeing to handle my EB2-NIW application. I truly appreciate the prompt and thoughtful responses to all my questions and concerns. Your professionalism is exceptional, and I would confidently recommend your services to any prospective applicant given the opportunity.”

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Associate in the field of Geography (Approval Notice).

General Field: Geography

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Associate

Country of Origin: Cameroon

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Maryland

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 7 months, 24 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

Illegal wildlife trade is not only a conservation issue. It can fuel organized crime networks, undermine governance, and increase pathways for zoonotic disease transmission. This NIW approval highlights a Cameroonian researcher whose proposed endeavor applies geographic information systems (GIS), participatory mapping, and crime-scripting approaches to generate actionable evidence for locally led conservation and more effective enforcement strategies. At the time of filing, the client was continuing this work in the United States through a postdoctoral associate appointment aligned with the proposed endeavor.

Research with National Importance

In the petition, we framed the endeavor as nationally important because the United States is affected by transnational wildlife trafficking networks and the associated public health and security risks. The client’s research supports evidence-based policy design and predictive tools that help identify trafficking patterns and strengthen prevention approaches, which can improve coordination among partners working on environmental security and disease-risk reduction.

Academic Contributions and Recognition

The petition documented a sustained, peer-validated record with 18 peer-reviewed journal articles and 11 book chapters. The record also documented 43 citations, reflecting independent reliance by other researchers. To further demonstrate standing, the filing highlighted trusted peer-review activity with at least 9 completed reviews for authoritative venues. The petition also referenced a competitive research excellence award as an additional objective indicator of recognition in the field.

Expert Endorsements

The petition included expert letters explaining why the client’s work is significant beyond a single research setting and how it can inform wildlife management, land use policy, and wildlife disease management.

One expert stated:

“...it is clear that [client] is a promising researcher whose work may have important implications for wildlife management, land use policy, and wildlife disease management.”

This evaluation reinforced the petition’s showing that the client’s contributions are recognized by specialists qualified to assess impact in this area and that the client is well-positioned to continue advancing the proposed endeavor.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on August 20th, 2025, and approved on April 13th, 2026, following a Premium Processing upgrade after filing. The approval reflects a well-supported NIW showing that the endeavor carries substantial merit and national importance and that the client is well-positioned through a record of publications, independent citation reliance, peer trust indicators, and expert validation, while maintaining strict privacy protections.

"I am very satisfied with your service.”

On April 22^nd, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Expert in the Field of Cell Biology (Approval Notice).

General Field: Cell Biology

Country of Origin: Bangladesh

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Illinois

Approval Notice Date: April 22^nd, 2026

Processing Time: 30 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

We are pleased to share that we secured an I-140 NIW approval in just 30 days for a client whose petition was filed with direct Premium Processing. The client holds an M.S. in Cell and Developmental Biology and works in the field of cell biology, with a research focus on identifying molecular vulnerabilities that drive cancer progression and may support the development of targeted therapies.

The client’s proposed endeavor centered on studying regulatory factors that become dysregulated across specific cancer types. Rather than presenting this as general cancer research, the petition framed the work as part of precision oncology because it aims to clarify mechanisms of tumor progression and support clinically actionable therapeutic strategies.

To demonstrate that the client was well-positioned to advance this endeavor, we highlighted her record of 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 1 first-authored article and 1 co-first-authored article, along with 2 abstracts. We also noted that her work had appeared in respected publication venues.

The client had also completed 1 peer review. While modest in number, this evidence still supported the argument that her expertise had begun to be recognized by the broader research community.

A particularly important part of the petition was the evidence that the client’s research had been supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. We used this evidence carefully, not as a personal award claim, but as confirmation that the research direction aligned with federally supported priorities in health, biotechnology, and scientific discovery.

The petition also included 1 letter of recommendation from an expert in the field. This letter helped explain the importance of the client’s work, her technical skillset, and why her continued research would benefit the United States.

We congratulate our client on this swift I-140 NIW approval in 30 days and wish her continued success in advancing cancer research and targeted therapeutic development in the United States.

"I had a really good experience with Chen Immigration, and I’m happy to say my NIW case got approved. From the beginning, they handled everything very carefully and put together a strong petition. What I liked most was how responsive and helpful my attorney was whenever I had questions. The whole process felt smooth and well-managed, which made a big difference for me. I’m truly grateful for their support and would definitely recommend them to others applying for NIW.”

On April 22^nd, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Security Analyst in the Field of Business Cybersecurity Analytics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Business Cybersecurity Analytics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Security Analyst

Country of Origin: Bangladesh

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Arizona

Approval Notice Date: April 22^nd, 2026

Processing Time: 9 months, 21 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

In this I-140 NIW case, we emphasized how the client’s work responds to a pressing national challenge in business security. The client, who holds an M.S. in Business Analytics, works in the field of business cybersecurity analytics and proposed to continue research on developing analytics-based cyber resilience frameworks.

Research Leadership and National Impact

The petition framed the client’s endeavor as highly relevant to the increasing cybersecurity risks faced by businesses, especially organizations that may lack sufficient cyber resilience. Rather than presenting the work only as a technical analytics project, we showed how his research contributes to practical recovery frameworks, early threat detection, fraud detection, risk modeling, and data privacy protection. This helped connect the client’s research to broader U.S. interests in digital infrastructure, economic security, and business continuity.

To demonstrate that the client was well-positioned to advance this endeavor, we highlighted his research record:

• 11 peer-reviewed journal articles
• 7 first-authored articles
• 189 citations to his published work
• At least 17 completed peer reviews

These metrics were not treated as automatically sufficient. Instead, the petition explained how an adjudicator could view them as signs of independent reliance and peer trust. The client’s citation record showed that other researchers had used his findings in areas such as financial risk assessment, data privacy, regulatory compliance, and fraud detection.

NIW Approval and Outlook

This NIW approval reflects a strong presentation of the client’s advanced-degree background, cybersecurity analytics expertise, and documented research influence. By connecting his publication and citation record to real problems affecting U.S. businesses, the petition showed that his continued work has the potential to strengthen cyber resilience, protect sensitive information, and support economic stability in the United States.

"I worked with Chen Immigration for my EB-2 NIW, and I’m very happy with the result. My case took 22 months to process, which was a long and sometimes frustrating wait, but the team was professional and responsive throughout. They guided me through different steps (e.g., preparing the I-140 package, changing addresses multiple times, upgrading to premium processing) and handled the technical details of my PhD background perfectly. If you want a firm that is thorough and knows how to navigate the glitches of the USCIS system, I highly recommend them.”

On April 16^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Ph.D. Student & Graduate Research Assistant in the Field of Computer Science (Approval Notice).

General Field: Computer Science

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Ph.D. Student & Graduate Research Assistant

Country of Origin: Pakistan

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Virginia

Approval Notice Date: April 16^th, 2026

Processing Time: 22 months, 3 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

When preparing this I-140 NIW petition, we focused on showing not only that the client’s work was technically sophisticated, but also that it addressed a nationally important problem in modern computing. The client, who held an M.S. in computer science and engineering and was pursuing his Ph.D. at the time of filing, proposed to continue research on co-designing cloud software stacks with hardware-compressed memory systems to solve performance problems that arise when multiple tenants share cloud resources. This framing helped present the endeavor as both practical and forward-looking in an area tied to cloud computing, computing architecture, and other critical technologies.

Research Leadership and National Impact

The petition showed that the client’s work addressed a real systems challenge. As cloud environments support increasingly demanding workloads, especially those involving large-scale applications and AI-related processing, efficient memory use and resource sharing become more important. We therefore emphasized how the client’s research could improve performance, scalability, and reliability in shared computing environments, rather than describing the work as valuable in purely theoretical terms. We also highlighted that the client was already continuing this research in his current role at a U.S. research institution, which supported the argument that he was well-positioned to carry the proposed endeavor forward.

To establish a record of research excellence, we presented the following evidence in context:

• 4 peer-reviewed conference articles
• 2 first-authored articles
• 1 additional article accepted for presentation
• 23 citations
• Major research funding support from the National Science Foundation and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Because this case was in computer science, we also made clear that peer-reviewed conference publications carry substantial weight in the field. That point mattered. Rather than treating the publication count alone as sufficient, we explained that publication in strong conference venues and subsequent citation by other researchers showed that the client’s methods were being relied upon in ongoing work involving memory systems, compression, and computing performance.

Expert Endorsements

The case also included 4 letters of recommendation from experts in the field. These letters helped confirm the originality of the client’s research, the practical significance of the proposed endeavor, and the broader value of his continued work in the United States. As one expert reviewer noted:

“His work has been recognized by numerous institutions and individuals who have looked to him as an expert in his field and put faith in his excellent research, positioning [Client] as a uniquely valuable figure in the field of computer science.”

NIW Approval and Outlook

This NIW approval reflects a strong presentation of the client’s advanced-degree qualifications, targeted research plan, and evidence of independent recognition in the field. By showing how the client’s work could improve cloud performance and resource efficiency in computing systems, we were able to connect his technical contributions to broader U.S. interests and build a persuasive national interest argument.

"It was a great experience working with WeGreen, and I’m glad to have received my EB-2 NIW I-140 approval, which moves my life forward. I greatly appreciate their excellent support and guidance throughout the preparation process.”

On April 15^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Ph.D. Candidate in the Field of Biomedical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Biomedical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Ph.D. Candidate

Approval Notice Date: April 15^th, 2026

Processing Time: 5 months, 12 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

Our client, a Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, received NIW approval on April 15th, 2026. She presented a strong case centered on using advanced data-driven approaches to improve the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) was pleased to help present a petition that connected her technical expertise to urgent national needs in neurological care and neurotechnology development.

A major strength of the case was the national importance of the proposed endeavor. The petition showed that her work supports progress in areas of significant public-health concern, including serious neurological conditions that affect patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare systems across the United States. It also demonstrated that her research aligns with broader national priorities in artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and advanced data analysis. The record was further strengthened by evidence that her work had attracted support from major funding sources, including the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health.

The client also brought strong credentials to the case. At the time of filing, she had authored 5 peer-reviewed journal articles, 6 peer-reviewed conference articles, and 12 abstracts. Her work had received 48 citations, and 2 of her papers ranked among the top 10% most-cited articles for their respective years in their field.

Her profile was further strengthened by professional recognition from her peers. She had completed at least 22 peer reviews for journals and conferences and was also serving in an editorial role for a rehabilitation sciences journal. These activities helped show that other experts trusted her judgment and viewed her as a credible contributor in the field.

This approval reflects a strong NIW case built on national importance, interdisciplinary expertise, scholarly achievement, peer recognition, and clear future potential. We were proud to assist in presenting a well-supported petition on the client’s behalf. We extend our sincere congratulations and look forward to her continued contributions to biomedical engineering and healthcare innovation.

"Working with the Chen immigration group has been a very smooth experience. Putting the petition together takes effort and time, but I was very happy both with the final product and the communication throughout the process. Thank you for your help!”

On April 11^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a PhD Candidate in the Field of Biomedical Science (Approval Notice).

General Field: Biomedical Science

Position at the Time of Case Filing: PhD Candidate

Approval Notice Date: April 11^th, 2026

Processing Time: 2 months, 21 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

The approval of this I-140 NIW petition highlights how a carefully framed case can present a young researcher’s work as nationally important even without an unusually long publication history. In this matter, we showed that the client, a biomedical science researcher, had already built a strong record of achievement in cancer genomics and precision medicine, and that his future work carried clear value for the United States.

Research Leadership and National Impact

The client’s proposed endeavor focused on developing advanced assays for epigenetic profiling to identify oncogenic molecular mechanisms across hematological and solid tumors, with the goal of supporting new therapeutic targets and helping inhibit cancer progression. We emphasized that this work was not important merely because it addressed cancer in the abstract, but because it centered on highly specialized tools that can improve how researchers detect, interpret, and act on molecular changes driving disease. That framing helped show both substantial merit and national importance under the NIW standard.

The client’s qualifications supported that narrative. He had authored 5 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 1 co-first-authored paper and 1 accepted article, along with 2 preprints. His work had received >180 citations. We did not treat those numbers as self-evidently sufficient. Instead, we showed how an adjudicator could view them as objective signs of independent reliance, especially because several papers had been cited at unusually high rates for their publication year and field. We also highlighted funding support connected to major national research priorities, including support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, , the National Cancer Institute, the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Institutes of Health, and others. That evidence helped demonstrate that the client’s research area had already attracted meaningful institutional confidence.

Expert Endorsements

The case also included 2 recommendation letters from experts familiar with the client’s work. These letters were helpful because they did more than offer general praise. Their support reinforced that the client was well-positioned to continue advancing research with implications for cancer treatment and biomedical innovation in the United States. One expert noted:

“For these reasons, I view [Client’s] research as vital to strengthening the scientific and medical infrastructure of the U.S.”

NIW Approval and Outlook

By showing not only that the client had produced high-quality work, but also that other researchers and major funding bodies had already relied on and invested in that work, we were able to present a persuasive NIW case. We are delighted by this approval and look forward to the client’s continued contributions to cancer research and the development of new precision medicine tools in the United States.

"I am very satisfied with the representation provided by the North American Immigration Law Group. The team that worked on my case demonstrated a high level of professionalism. All the technical information about my field included in the petition letter was highly accurate, and I had only a few minor comments, which helped expedite the preparation of my case. Moreover, they consistently provided timely assistance and answered all of my questions within a day in most instances. I did notice that the review phase just before submission took slightly longer than expected, even though I had provided all the requested evidence upfront and no further information was required from my side. Their online platform is very intuitive, which makes it easier to handle all the requested information. Within my group of acquaintances, all cases filed by the North American Immigration Law Group have been approved without any RFEs, which gave me a lot of confidence when I chose them. Overall, I would rate their services 10 out of 10.”

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Appointee in the Field of Quantum Optics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Quantum Optics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Appointee

Country of Origin: Mexico

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: New Mexico

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 28 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

In this case, the client secured I-140 NIW approval in just 28 days through Direct Premium Processing at filing, supported by a record that showed both technical depth and clear national relevance. Rather than presenting the case as a general research profile, we framed the client’s work around a focused endeavor in quantum optics with practical importance for secure communications, sensing, and next-generation photonic technologies.

The Proposed Endeavor

The client’s proposed endeavor was to continue research on developing quantum optical methodologies for generating entangled photons from novel ultrathin and multifunctional materials in order to improve the performance and functionalities of entangled photon sources, thereby advancing quantum communication, sensing, and information technologies for next generation photonic chips. The petition showed why this work carried substantial merit and national importance by connecting it to secure communications, quantum hardware development, and the broader U.S. interest in maintaining leadership in critical and emerging technologies. The client was also already conducting research in the United States at a national laboratory, which helped show that this endeavor was not speculative but an ongoing and credible line of work.

Why the Record Was Persuasive

The client’s evidence was strong not simply because of the quantity of output, but because the record showed that other experts were already relying on the work. The client had authored 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 3 first or co-first-authored papers, 13 peer-reviewed conference papers, and 5 first-authored abstracts. The client had also completed at least 6 peer reviews, an important indicator that journals viewed the client as qualified to evaluate research in the field. The citation record was especially helpful. With 1,087 citations to the published body of work, the client had a level of independent recognition that adjudicators can view as evidence of influence beyond the ordinary. But the case did not rely on the raw number alone. Instead, it explained how multiple articles ranked at exceptionally high citation percentiles for their year and field, including papers reaching the top 0.1%, top 1%, and top 10% most cited categories.

The Result

This approval shows the value of presenting a NIW case through a focused national interest narrative rather than a simple list of achievements. By tying the client’s publication history, peer review activity, citation impact, and current U.S. based research to pressing needs in quantum communication and photonic technology, the petition demonstrated that the client was well-positioned to continue work of clear benefit to the United States. We are delighted by this I-140 NIW approval and look forward to the client’s continued contributions in quantum optics.

"Thank you for your professionalism! Know that the work you guys do in the current landscape matters!”

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Field of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Country of Origin: Vietnam

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Illinois

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 13 months, 15 days

Case Summary:

It was a privilege for our team to assist a postdoctoral research associate specializing in mechanical and aerospace engineering, a Ph.D. holder in aerospace engineering from Vietnam, with this EB-2 NIW petition. In line with our commitment to I-140 clients, we adopted a strategic, case-by-case approach, carefully analyzing the qualifications presented to craft a well-supported petition that highlighted the national importance of advancing computational tools and physics-informed predictive models for aerospace and manufacturing technologies.

Client Background and Proposed Endeavor

As an expert in mechanical and aerospace engineering, the proposed endeavor is to continue research on advancing and developing computational tools for designing physics-informed predictive models to accelerate the development of new mechanical and aerospace technologies, including spacecraft propulsion, material behavior under harsh environments, and advanced manufacturing techniques. With advanced training spanning computational mechanics, materials science, and fluid dynamics, this researcher was actively conducting this work at a leading national laboratory in the United States at the time of filing.

National Significance of the Research

We emphasized that this research is of significant importance and has far-reaching implications for the United States. The work directly supports the country's aerospace sector, the largest in the world, and advances critical capabilities in spacecraft electric propulsion, materials performance in extreme environments, and energy-efficient manufacturing. By developing scalable, physics-informed computational tools, this research strengthens the nation's capacity to maintain technological leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

Furthermore, these contributions align with broader federal priorities and have been formally recognized as advancing critical and emerging technology areas, including space propulsion, machine learning, and advanced engineering materials, fields essential to U.S. technological leadership, economic prosperity, and national security. The research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Office of Naval Research, affirming both its national importance and scientific rigor.

Impressive Credentials and Achievements

To further strengthen the case, we highlighted an exceptional record of achievement. This researcher has authored 8 peer-reviewed journal articles (7 of them first-authored), 2 peer-reviewed conference articles (1 of them first-authored), 3 abstracts (2 of them first-authored), and 1 first-authored conference presentation. This body of work has been cited 63 times. The client has also been invited to conduct peer review for authoritative journals in the field, having completed at least 3 peer reviews to date, a testament to the client's standing as a trusted expert among peers.

Case Outcome

Considering the strength of the accomplishments and the national importance of the proposed endeavor, we are delighted to share that this NIW petition was approved in over 13 months without RFE. The client's pioneering work in computational mechanics and aerospace engineering positions them to make lasting contributions to U.S. technological leadership and industrial innovation for years to come.

"I would like to thank the Chen attorneys who worked on my EB-2 NIW petition, they have been thorough in their approach since day 1 with timely feedback. I appreciate the strong customized response they drafted to each point raised in the RFE. They have been supportive throughout and answered all my questions with lots of patience. I recommend Chen immigration services particularly to computational/life science researchers; they know how to present the stronger aspects of a researcher’s profile to the USCIS.”

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Bioinformatics Analyst in the Field of Bioinformatics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Bioinformatics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Bioinformatics Analyst

Country of Origin: India

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Minnesota

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 7 months, 9 days

Case Summary:

Our firm is pleased to share the approval of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition for a bioinformatics analyst in the field of bioinformatics, specializing in multi-omic data analysis, transcriptomics, and host immune response mechanisms in the context of infectious disease and vaccine research. Despite a Request for Evidence (RFE) being issued, our expert team prepared a thorough and compelling response, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved approval in over 7 months.

Client Background and Proposed Endeavor

Holding a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics along with advanced training in bioinformatics and microbiology, this researcher brings deep expertise in multi-omic data analysis and infectious disease research. Currently employed as a bioinformatics analyst in a cutting-edge research environment, the proposed endeavor is to continue leveraging transcriptomic and multi-omic approaches to uncover host immune mechanisms in the context of vaccination and pathogenic exposure, to improve vaccine efficacy, guide drug repurposing strategies, and extend these insights to broader human health applications.

National Significance of the Research

We emphasized that this research carries significant importance and far-reaching implications for the United States. This work addresses critical national priorities in public health, including pandemic preparedness and infectious disease prevention, areas of growing urgency as emerging threats continue to challenge global health security. It also supports federal initiatives aimed at accelerating therapeutic development through drug repurposing, a strategy recognized as essential to reducing the high costs and lengthy timelines of traditional drug discovery. Furthermore, the proposed endeavor aligns with formally identified critical and emerging technology areas spanning multi-omics, bioinformatics, and computational biology, underscoring its strategic importance to U.S. technological leadership and national security.

Impressive Credentials and Achievements

To further strengthen the case, we highlighted exceptional credentials:

• Publications: An impressive portfolio of 9 peer-reviewed journal articles (2 of them first-authored), 2 first-authored peer-reviewed conference articles, 1 first-authored preprint, and 1 first-authored book chapter.

• Citations: The published body of work has been cited 440 times.

Case Outcome

This researcher's impactful contributions to transcriptomic analysis, vaccine immunology, and infectious disease bioinformatics position them to make meaningful and lasting contributions to U.S. public health and pandemic preparedness for years to come. We are honored to have supported this journey and extend our sincere best wishes for continued success in both research and career pursuits.

The following success stories highlight six I-140 approvals achieved after RFE review. These approvals include two EB-1A petitions and four NIW petitions. Several cases involved multiple service center transfers, applicants residing outside the United States, non-STEM fields, petitions supported solely by testimonial letters, and non-premium processing timelines exceeding two years. Together, they demonstrate that favorable outcomes remain achievable when the evidentiary record remains coherent, responsive, and aligned with the applicable legal standard.

Cases With Inherent Challenges

Multiple Service Center Transfers

Several approvals involved petitions transferred between the Nebraska Service Center and the Texas Service Center before final adjudication. Such procedural movement can add complexity because the petition must remain persuasive and internally consistent across different adjudicative environments.

Approvals in Non-STEM Fields

Several approvals were secured in non-STEM fields, including Public Policy and Chronic Disease and Health Disparities. In these cases, the record needed to clearly explain the applicant’s qualifications, scholarly contributions, and proposed work in a way that remained persuasive under heightened adjudicative review.

Applicants Residing Outside the United States

One approval involved an applicant residing outside the United States at the time of adjudication. In such cases, the petition must still clearly establish the applicant's qualifications, proposed employment, and eligibility under the applicable immigration standard. 

EB-1A Approvals After RFE (2)

#1: EB-1A in Public Policy

This EB-1A approval involved a Ph.D. candidate, born in Bangladesh and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as an Assistant Professor. Filed in Public Policy, the petition received an RFE from Officer EX0080 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a master’s degree and presented a strong scholarly profile consisting of 26 publications and 804 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2026. The filing was supported by 4 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing EB-1A approval after RFE review in a non-STEM field.

#2: EB-1A in Microbiology

This EB-1A approval involved a Postdoctoral Fellow, born in South Korea and residing in the United States, who proposes to continue in the same employment. Filed in Microbiology, the petition received an RFE from the Texas Service Center before approval was ultimately achieved.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a substantial scholarly record consisting of 50 publications and 1,871 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The filing was supported by 2 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The adjudication involved transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing EB-1A approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

NIW Approvals After RFE (4)

#3: NIW in Chronic Disease and Health Disparities

This NIW approval involved a Staff Research Assistant, born in Iran and residing in the United States, who proposes to continue in the same role. Filed in Chronic Disease and Health Disparities, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2375 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held an M.D. degree and presented a scholarly profile consisting of 4 publications and 41 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The filing proceeded without recommendation letters and was supported by 3 testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review in a non-STEM field.

#4: NIW in Medicinal Chemistry

This NIW approval involved a Postdoctoral Fellow, born and residing in India, who proposes to continue in the same employment. Filed in Medicinal Chemistry, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2546 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 8 publications and 92 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2023. The filing was supported by 2 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center without premium processing and was approved in 862 days.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while the applicant was residing outside the United States.

#5: NIW in Computer Science

This NIW approval involved a Ph.D. student, born in Iran and residing in the United States, who proposes to work as a Research Engineer. Filed in Computer Science, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2378 before approval was ultimately achieved.

The applicant held a master's degree and demonstrated a scholarly record consisting of 4 publications and 23 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2025. The filing proceeded without recommendation letters and was supported by 4 testimonial letters.

The adjudication involved transfers from the Nebraska Service Center to the Texas Service Center and then back to the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: This approval is notable for securing NIW approval after RFE review while undergoing multiple service center transfers.

#6: NIW in Geospace Science

This NIW approval involved an Assistant Research Scientist, born in China and residing in the United States, who proposes to continue in the same role. Filed in Geospace Science, the petition received an RFE from Officer XM2546 before approval was ultimately secured.

The applicant held a STEM Ph.D. and presented a scholarly profile consisting of 7 publications and 59 citations, with peer-reviewed work published as recently as 2022. The filing was supported by 2 recommendation letters and proceeded without testimonial letters.

The petition was adjudicated through the Nebraska Service Center without premium processing and was approved in 868 days.

Each summary below includes the applicant's category, field, country of birth, current residence, current and proposed role, degree, publication and citation record, supporting letters, service center, and premium processing strategy.

NIW Approvals (6)

#1: NIW in Medicine

Born and residing in China, this applicant works as a Medicine Researcher and proposes to become a Medical Research Scientist. The NIW petition was approved in Medicine.

The applicant holds an M.D. degree and had 40 publications and 1,321 citations at the time of filing.

Supported by 2 recommendation letters with no testimonial letters submitted, the case was adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: Approved in a non-STEM field while the applicant was residing outside the United States.

#2: NIW in Computational Social Science

An Indian-born applicant residing in the United States works as a Postdoctoral Fellow and proposes to remain in the same role. The NIW petition was approved in Computational Social Science.

The applicant holds a Ph.D. and had 9 publications and 203 citations at the time of filing.

No recommendation letters were submitted, but 4 testimonial letters were included. The case was adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

#3: NIW in Human-Computer Interaction

Born in China and residing in the United States, this applicant is currently a Ph.D. student and proposes to become a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor. The NIW petition was approved in Human-Computer Interaction.

The applicant holds a master's degree and had 5 publications and 40 citations at the time of filing.

Supported by 2 recommendation letters with no testimonial letters submitted, the case was adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

#4: NIW in Applied Economics

A Turkish-born applicant residing in Turkey works as an Associate Professor and proposes to become a Teaching Assistant Professor. The NIW petition was approved in Applied Economics.

The applicant holds a Ph.D. and had 43 publications and 957 citations at the time of filing.

No supporting letters were submitted. The case was adjudicated at the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

Notable: Approved without recommendation or testimonial letters while the applicant was residing outside the United States.

#5: NIW in Dentistry

Born and residing in Iran, this applicant works as a Dentist and proposes to become a Periodontist in industry. The NIW petition was approved in Dentistry.

The applicant holds a D.D.S. degree and had 14 publications and 279 citations at the time of filing.

Supported by 4 recommendation letters with no testimonial letters submitted, the case was adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center with upfront premium processing.

Notable: Approved in a non-STEM field while the applicant was residing outside the United States.

#6: NIW in Information Security

An Indian-born applicant residing in the United States works as an Assistant Professor and proposes to remain in the same role. The NIW petition was approved in Information Security.

The applicant holds a Ph.D. and had 5 publications and 63 citations at the time of filing.

Supported by 2 recommendation letters and 2 testimonial letters, the case was adjudicated at the Texas Service Center with a premium processing upgrade.

"Having the Chen Immigration for my NIW case was an excellent decision. The preparation process was incredibly organized. The team provided clear instructions and performed a very thorough review of all my documents, including the petition letter and final package. This attention to detail ensured a successful approval. Their expertise in handling my case is evident in how smoothly the entire process moved. I am very grateful for their hard work and professional support, and I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient immigration partner.”

On April 11^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Technical Specialist in the Field of Aerospace Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Aerospace Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Technical Specialist

Country of Origin: Taiwan

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Georgia

Approval Notice Date: April 11^th, 2026

Processing Time: 1 month, 19 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

The client’s I-140 NIW petition was approved in just 47 days through Direct Premium Processing at filing. Holding a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, the client built a case around a proposed endeavor in aerospace engineering focused on advancing modern control theory through nonlinear, robust, and optimal techniques to design flight control systems for commercial and military aircraft.

In this case, we did not present the client’s credentials as self-evidently sufficient. Instead, we explained why the record would matter to an adjudicator assessing whether the client was well-positioned to advance a nationally important endeavor. The client had authored 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 2 first-authored articles, as well as 2 first-authored peer-reviewed conference articles. His published body of work had received 334 citations.

The petition also highlighted that the client had completed at least 4 peer reviews, supporting the argument that others in the field trusted his technical judgment. We further demonstrated significance by linking the endeavor to current U.S. priorities in aircraft automation, advanced air mobility, aerospace competitiveness, and national safety. The case showed that the client’s research had been supported by major funding, which helped confirm that respected federal agencies had already recognized the broader value of his research direction.

The petition included 2 letters of recommendation that helped explain the originality of the client’s research, the technical importance of his control frameworks, and the value of his continued work in the United States. One recommender noted:

“For this reason, it is imperative that he be allowed to carry out his research uninterrupted so that the U.S. benefits fully from its value.”

This approval, secured in 47 days through Direct Premium Processing, reflects the strength of a strategy that connected the client’s advanced training, current employment in the field, publication record, citation evidence, peer review activity, federal research support, and expert endorsements into a clear NIW narrative. We are delighted that the client’s I-140 NIW petition was approved and look forward to his continued contributions to aerospace control systems and U.S. technological leadership.

"I had a very positive experience working with North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG). A colleague recommended the firm to me after his application was approved several years earlier. They recommended submitting my application without recommendation letters, as this would simplify the preparation process.

At first, I was a little skeptical that recommendation letters were not necessary, especially since I knew my colleague had included them in his application. However, I later understood that they develop a strategy uniquely tailored to each client’s background, and they know exactly when it is possible to build a compelling legal case by letting your merits speak for themselves.

They provided clear instructions on how to prepare all the necessary documents and evidence, and the overall process was very smooth. The team was very responsive throughout, always replying to my messages promptly.”

On April 1^st, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Assistant Research Scientist in the Field of Computer Science (Approval Notice).

General Field: Computer Science

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Assistant Research Scientist

Country of Origin: Spain

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Iowa

Approval Notice Date: April 1^st, 2026

Processing Time: 16 months, 14 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

Our client presented a compelling case centered on advancing the reliability and safety of complex software systems. North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) was pleased to help craft a petition that clearly tied his technical contributions to national priorities in security, infrastructure, and technological leadership.

At the heart of the case was a proposed endeavor focused on developing advanced tools capable of detecting system vulnerabilities early and formally verifying correct system behavior. The petition demonstrated that this work is critical to reducing the risks associated with safety-critical systems, which are widely used in sectors where failures can result in serious economic loss, environmental harm, and threats to public safety. By improving the dependability of these systems, the client’s work supports both technological advancement and risk reduction on a national scale.

The client’s credentials reflected a strong and sustained record of achievement. He holds both a Ph.D. and an M.S. in computing. At the time of filing, he had authored 16 peer-reviewed conference papers, including 8 first-authored papers, as well as 2 peer-reviewed journal articles and 1 first-authored preprint. His work had also received 390 citations, demonstrating meaningful independent reliance by researchers in the field.

The petition was further strengthened by clear external validation of his research. His work had received support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency through a program focused on advancing cyber resilience and secure systems, a funding source reserved for projects that advance national interests. This support further underscored the significance and practical value of his work in areas vital to U.S. security and infrastructure.

This NIW approval reflects a well-supported case built on national importance, technical distinction, scholarly achievement, and recognized impact. NAILG was proud to present a focused and persuasive petition demonstrating the client’s value to the United States.

"Just got my NIW I-140 approved. The team showcased exceptional expertise and dedication throughout the entire process. With their unwavering guidance and support, what seemed like a complex journey became smooth and manageable. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone planning for immigration.”

On April 14^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Power Electronics Engineer in the field of Renewable Energy Generation and Storage (Approval Notice).

General Field: Renewable Energy Generation and Storage

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Power Electronics Engineer

Country of Origin: Malaysia

Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Singapore

Approval Notice Date: April 14^th, 2026

Processing Time: 1 year, 8 months, 13 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

Electric vehicles and renewable energy systems depend on battery packs that remain safe, reliable, and efficient under real-world conditions. This NIW approval highlights the client’s proposed endeavor to improve next-generation lithium-ion energy storage by advancing battery management system (BMS) techniques that support longer battery lifespans and more reliable performance. At the time of filing, the client was employed in the power electronics and power systems industry, and he planned to continue advancing this work in the United States in an energy storage role aligned with electric vehicle batteries.

Research with National Importance

In the NIW filing, we framed the endeavor as substantial in merit and nationally important because the United States is accelerating electric vehicle adoption and renewable integration, both of which increase demand for dependable battery systems. The petition emphasized that improved battery management algorithms and modeling approaches can reduce safety risk, support longer operational life, and strengthen performance consistency at scale, all of which directly affect transportation electrification and decarbonization goals.

Academic Contributions and Recognition

The petition documented 6 peer-reviewed journal articles and 10 peer-reviewed conference articles, reflecting sustained peer-validated output in the field. The record also documented 374 citations, showing meaningful independent reliance on the client’s methods and results by other researchers. To demonstrate influence beyond raw totals, the filing highlighted that one publication ranked among the top 20 percent most cited in Engineering for its publication year, an objective indicator that peers relied on the work at an above-typical rate for its publication period. Professional trust was further supported through at least 8 completed peer reviews for authoritative journals in the field, reinforcing that editors relied on the client’s technical judgment to evaluate the work of peers.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on August 1st, 2024, and approved on April 14th, 2026, following a Premium Processing upgrade after filing. The approval reflects a cohesive NIW showing that the proposed endeavor carries substantial merit and national importance and that the client is well-positioned to advance it through an established record of peer-reviewed publications, independent citation reliance, and continued peer trust through review service, supporting further progress in lithium-ion battery systems that enable electric vehicles and renewable energy integration.

"I would like to sincerely thank Chen Immigration & Attorneys for their outstanding support in successfully obtaining approval of my NIW I-140 petition. Their team is highly professional throughout the entire process. They responded to my questions in a timely manner and provided clear guidance at every step. I truly appreciate their dedication and efficiency, and I highly recommend Chen Immigration & Attorneys to anyone seeking reliable and professional immigration legal services.”

On April 15^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Senior Scientist in the Field of Drug Discovery (Approval Notice).

General Field: Drug Discovery

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Scientist

Country of Origin: China

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California

Approval Notice Date: April 15^th, 2026

Processing Time: 13 months, 19 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

With the support of the North America Immigration Law Group, the client’s I-140 NIW petition was approved. The client, who holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology, works in drug discovery and is currently employed as a scientist in the biotechnology industry. His proposed endeavor focused on discovering and developing novel therapies for diseases with limited or no existing treatment options, including drug-resistant and metastatic cancers and inherited genetic disorders. The petition argued that this work carries substantial merit and national importance because it addresses serious unmet medical needs while supporting broader U.S. interests in public health and biomedical innovation.

To show that the client was well-positioned to advance this endeavor, we emphasized not just the existence of scholarly output, but what that output meant in adjudicative terms. The client had authored 6 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 4 first-authored or co-first-authored papers, and his work had been cited 144 times. In this context, the citation record was important not merely as a number, but as evidence that other researchers had independently relied on his findings in their own work. The petition further highlighted that at least 1 of his papers ranked among the top 10% most cited in its field, and 4 ranked among the top 20% for their publication years, helping show that his influence was measurable relative to field norms rather than presented in raw totals alone.

We also demonstrated the client’s significance through peer trust and professional recognition. He had completed at least 54 peer reviews, which helped show that authoritative journals viewed him as someone qualified to evaluate the work of other researchers. The petition also described how his research had contributed to multiple areas of therapeutic development, including cancer treatment, genetic disease therapy, and other innovative drug discovery pathways, reinforcing that his work was both original and practically relevant.

The case was additionally supported by 2 recommendation letters, including an independent advisory opinion, which provided expert confirmation of the client’s scientific skill set, the importance of his research, and his ability to continue advancing the proposed endeavor. One recommender noted: “These academic and professional experiences have positioned [Client] at the forefront of the drug discovery field.”

We are delighted by this NIW approval and extend our sincere congratulations to the client as he continues contributing to the development of new therapies for patients with limited treatment options.

"Thank you for all your help with this approval!”

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Graduate Research Assistant in the Field of Therapeutic Drug Discovery (Approval Notice).

General Field: Therapeutic Drug Discovery

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Graduate Research Assistant

Country of Origin: South Korea

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Illinois

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 7 months, 29 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

With an M.S. in biological sciences, the client built a strong case for I-140 NIW approval through research in therapeutic drug discovery. Her proposed endeavor was to continue discovering effective therapeutic strategies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases with limited treatment options in order to improve survival rates and enhance quality of life for patients facing severe conditions. At the time of filing, the client was already continuing this work in a U.S. research role, which helped show that her plan was concrete, field-specific, and well aligned with ongoing research efforts rather than a future possibility alone.

What gave this case force was the way the petition connected the client’s research record to real treatment gaps. Her work had focused on identifying therapeutically useful compounds from natural products, studying the mechanisms behind potential treatment effects, and examining pathways relevant to drug resistance in cancer. The filing also outlined her continuing work on cancer-related projects involving novel therapeutic agents, immune modulation, and treatment risk assessment. Framed together, these efforts showed a coherent research direction centered on expanding options for patients with serious diseases that still lack sufficiently effective therapies.

The client’s publication record supported that narrative. She had authored 6 peer-reviewed journal articles and 5 first-authored conference abstracts, and her work had been cited 76 times. In an NIW case, those metrics are most useful when they show that the field is engaging with the research rather than merely recording output. Here, the petition used the citations to show that other researchers were relying on her findings in areas such as inflammation control, cancer therapy, and disease mechanism research. 

The filing also included two recommendation letters supporting the significance of the client’s research and her ability to continue advancing this work in the United States. One expert insight noted:

“Ensuring that [Client’s] work proceeds is thus not only important to the field, but to the United States as well."

We are proud that our firm had the opportunity to assist this client in securing an I-140 NIW approval.

"I am incredibly grateful to the team for securing my NIW approval without an RFE. Their strategy in highlighting my publication record and the clinical impact of my neonatal neuroimaging research was instrumental. They are experts at navigating the complexities of EB-2 petitions for Chinese nationals and researchers. If you want a firm that truly understands the 'National Interest' criteria and pays attention to every detail of your credentials, look no further.”

On April 7^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Research Fellow in the Field of Biomedical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Biomedical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Research Fellow

Country of Origin: China

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Ohio

Approval Notice Date: April 7^th, 2026

Processing Time: 18 months, 22 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

The client holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and is currently employed as a research fellow. Through the I-140 EB-2 National Interest Waiver category, the client sought to continue research using advanced statistical and deep learning methods to identify risk factors associated with neonatal cognitive development and longer-term effects for babies born preterm. The petition framed this work as a pathway toward earlier intervention and more personalized treatment strategies that can be applied at scale in real clinical environments.

National Significance of the Research

In the NIW filing, we connected the endeavor to a clear public-health need. Preterm birth remains a major driver of adverse infant outcomes, and the reasons behind rising preterm birth rates in the United States are not fully understood. We explained that better predictive modeling can help clinicians and researchers move from general risk assumptions to data-grounded biomarkers and individualized risk profiles, supporting earlier screening, targeted follow-up, and improved long-term developmental outcomes.

Impressive Credentials and Achievements

To demonstrate that the client was well-positioned, we emphasized objective indicators of productivity, independent reliance, and peer trust, while explaining how an adjudicator should interpret them rather than treating them as self-evidently sufficient.

• Publications included 9 peer-reviewed journal articles (3 first-authored), 2 first-authored peer-reviewed conference articles, and 3 first-authored conference abstracts.

• The client’s published work had received 196 citations, which we framed as evidence of independent reliance by other researchers using the client’s methods and findings to inform related work.

• The client completed at least 4 peer reviews for authoritative venues in the field, which we positioned as a peer-trust indicator that the community relies on the client’s expertise to evaluate the rigor and validity of others’ research.

Case Outcome

USCIS approved the NIW petition without requesting any RFE, reflecting a well-supported showing that the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, and that the client is well-positioned to advance it through a record of peer-reviewed scholarship, independent uptake, and trusted service to the field.

"Thank you very much for your help throughout the application process. The firm’s structured and thorough review process helped document a strong application.”

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a PhD Student in the Field of Computer Science (Approval Notice).

General Field: Computer Science

Position at the Time of Case Filing: PhD Student

Country of Origin: South Korea

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Massachusetts

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 5 months, 14 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

The client’s I-140 NIW petition was approved based on a carefully developed case showing the national importance of his work in computer science. Because the client holds an M.S. in computer science (specializing in computational perception and robotics), the petition demonstrated that his work has clear value for improving the efficiency, reliability, and trustworthiness of AI in critical U.S. applications across industry, scientific research, and national security.

Research Leadership and National Impact

In this case, we did not rely on credentials alone. Instead, we explained why the client’s record would matter to an adjudicator evaluating whether he was well-positioned to advance a nationally important endeavor. The client had authored 3 peer-reviewed conference articles, including 1 first-authored article, along with 1 peer-reviewed journal article and 1 first-authored preprint. Because publication norms in computer science differ from many other fields, the petition also clarified that peer-reviewed conference publications are often among the most respected research outputs in the discipline.

The client’s published body of work had received 240 citations. Rather than treating that figure as automatically persuasive, the petition framed it as evidence of independent reliance by other researchers. It further showed that his work had achieved field-adjusted influence: one paper ranked among the top 1% most-cited Computer Science articles for its publication year, and two others ranked among the top 10% for their respective years. That kind of normalized citation evidence helped show that the client’s contributions were not merely visible but meaningfully used by others in the field.

The petition further highlighted open-source contributions that extended the practical reach of his research beyond a single institution. In addition, the client had completed at least 5 peer reviews, supporting the conclusion that others in the field trusted his technical judgment. His work had also received support from the National Science Foundation, which helped show that a major federal funding body had already recognized the broader importance of this research direction.

NIW Approval and Outlook

This approval reflects the strength of a strategy that connected the client’s advanced training, current U.S.-based research, publication record, citation evidence, peer review service, and open-source contributions into a clear NIW narrative. By showing both the national importance of the proposed endeavor and the client’s strong positioning to continue advancing it, the petition established why waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the United States. We are delighted that the client’s I-140 NIW petition was approved, and we look forward to his continued contributions in the United States.

On April 13^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Field of Space Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Space Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Researcher

Country of Origin: Italy

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California

Approval Notice Date: April 13^th, 2026

Processing Time: 4 months, 27 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

Research Leadership and National Impact

We are pleased to share the approval of an I-140 EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition for the client, a space engineering researcher whose work supports safer and more accurate operations for distributed space systems in Earth orbit and the cislunar environment. The client holds a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering and is currently conducting research in the United States in a university-based setting.

Because the client is an expert in space engineering, his proposed endeavor is to continue developing cutting-edge guidance, navigation, and control solutions for distributed space systems. In the petition, we framed this endeavor as an area of clear, substantial merit and national importance because modern space operations increasingly depend on precise coordination, autonomous maneuvering, and reliable control strategies to reduce mission risk and support safe operations across congested orbital environments and more complex mission architectures beyond Earth orbit. Rather than treating the work as abstract modeling, our legal team positioned it as practical engineering that improves operational precision, situational awareness, and safety margins for spacecraft operating in coordinated formations or multi-satellite systems.

To demonstrate the client’s significance, we presented objective evidence of peer-validated output and independent reliance. The client documented the research in 6 peer-reviewed journal articles (including 2 first-authored), 10 peer-reviewed conference papers (including 5 first-authored), and 9 abstracts (including 3 first-authored). The client’s work has been cited 139 times. We did not present these metrics as automatically sufficient. Instead, we explained how an adjudicator could interpret them as evidence that independent researchers are using the client’s methods and results as a reference point for related investigations in autonomous navigation, trajectory design, and control for distributed space operations.

The petition also included evidence of major research support tied to nationally relevant priorities, including funding from NASA-APRA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. We presented this as an additional credibility anchor showing that the research direction aligns with competitively supported objectives in space technology development.

NIW Approval and Outlook

USCIS approved the NIW petition, reflecting a persuasive showing that the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance and that the client is well-positioned to advance it through a strong publication record, measurable independent reliance through citations, and competitively supported research aligned with U.S. space technology priorities.