Success Stories: EB-2 NIW Approval for a Mechanical Engineering Researcher: Supporting Safer, Smarter Surgeries through Robotics Innovation

Client’s Testimonial:

“The staff members are professional and attentive. They provided a timely and accurate response to the legal process. They guided the material preparation throughout, and polished the petition letter that emphasizes the customer’s strength.”

On March 29^th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Assistant Professor in the Field of Mechanical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Mechanical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Assistant Professor

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California

Approval Notice Date: March 29^th, 2025

Processing Time: 1 year, 3 months, 25 days

Case Summary:

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to an assistant professor whose research is helping advance the future of surgical robotics. At the time of filing, the client was actively engaged in academic research in the field of mechanical engineering, with a specialized focus on developing precision robotic systems for medical procedures.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor & Research of National Importance:

After a thorough evaluation of the client’s credentials, NAILG identified him as a compelling candidate whose work stands at the intersection of robotics, intelligent control systems, and medical innovation. His research focuses on applying mechatronic systems and data-driven control algorithms to improve medical diagnosis and treatment, particularly in the field of robotic-assisted surgeries. The petition highlighted the national significance of the client’s work, particularly in light of the increasing reliance on robotics in healthcare and the urgent need for precision in surgical technologies.

Demonstrated Influence and Research Contributions:

The client had authored at least 24 peer-reviewed publications and was a named inventor on 4 patents. His work has garnered 212 citations, with several of his papers ranking among the top 10% most cited articles in engineering for their publication years. He also served as a peer reviewer for over 30 submissions to top-tier journals, including IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics and IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology—a clear sign of his standing in the research community.

In addition to this, the client’s research has received backing from esteemed organizations such as the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Siemens Medical Solutions, further underlining its national and global relevance. Among his most impactful projects was the development of an intraocular robotic system for cataract surgery and real-time MRI-guided robotic systems for abdominal interventions, both of which were detailed in the petition.

Expert Endorsement:

A strong set of recommendation letters supported the petition. One distinguished professor remarked:

“[Client’s] research in the robotic cataract surgery can also be applicable to other surgeries where automated image guidance and precision robot motions are critical. For this reason, [client] is a high-value asset sought after for employment by the vibrant U.S. industrial sector in bringing robot technology to medical practice.”

Outcome:

With all the above evidence assembled in a focused, well-organized petition, USCIS approved the EB-2 NIW petition in just under 16 months. This successful outcome reflects both the significance of the client’s work and NAILG’s ability to craft a compelling narrative that clearly aligns with national interest criteria.

We are honored to have supported this researcher in securing his NIW approval and look forward to seeing his robotic innovations continue to benefit the U.S. healthcare and engineering sectors. At NAILG, we remain committed to helping exceptional researchers like him achieve their immigration goals.

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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).

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