Success Stories: NIW Approved for Chemical Engineering Researcher Advancing Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment

Client’s Testimonial:

“Thank you very much for your service, which is highly professional and systematic. Thanks to the team working on my I-140 for the NIW case and to my lawyer. Highly recommended!”

On August 11^th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver approval for a Lecturer in the field of Chemical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Chemical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Lecturer

Country of Origin: Philippines

Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Oman

Approval Notice Date: August 11^th, 2025

Processing Time: 1 year, 7 months

Case Summary:

NAILG presented the client’s proposed endeavor to develop novel biomaterials and bioprocessing technologies that make water and wastewater treatment more efficient, cost‑effective, and sustainable. The record emphasized solutions built from natural and waste‑derived materials that can reduce treatment costs and energy consumption while improving public health and environmental outcomes.

Research Focus and Contributions

The petition documented a cohesive program that includes: optimizing natural seed‑based coagulants for municipal sewage treatment through response‑surface analysis; producing activated carbon from agricultural byproducts for salt and contaminant removal; designing and modeling mixed natural–synthetic coagulant systems to boost turbidity and TSS reduction; and advancing low‑energy treatment concepts such as solar‑assisted desalination and waste‑to‑energy approaches.

Research Impact and Metrics

To substantiate influence and standing, we highlighted:

6 journal articles, supplemented by technical reports, an applied patent filing, and design work.
18 citations by independent research teams across environmental and chemical engineering venues.
At least 19 invited reviews for field journals, evidencing recognized expertise.

Here is an anonymized excerpt from a recommendation letter that underscores the practical impact of her work:

“[Client] investigated sewage wastewater treatment using natural coagulants derived from watermelon and cantaloupe seeds employing response surface analysis to fine‑tune dosage. The outcomes spotlighted removal efficiency of 92.8% and 92.1% for total suspended solids and biological oxygen demand, respectively.”

Demonstrating Substantial Merit & National Importance

We demonstrated substantial merit by linking the client’s methods to core treatment challenges, including safer coagulation strategies, lower-cost adsorbents from waste streams, and energy-aware process design. National importance was established through evidence that the work directly addresses U.S. water security and public health risks, including the need to remove emerging contaminants and curb the high energy footprint of treatment plants. Independent citations to the client’s studies illustrate real‑world uptake in related water‑process engineering research, reinforcing broad applicability beyond a single facility or region.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor

The petition detailed advanced training in chemical engineering, a growing publication record, sustained peer‑review contributions, and practical innovations that translate laboratory insights into scalable treatment tools. The client is continuing in a U.S. research role, with plans that focus on adsorption, sustainable process design, biomass conversion to chemicals and fuels, and waste‑to‑energy pathways, positioning the work for multi‑stakeholder impact in municipal and industrial contexts.

NIW Approval and Outlook

Approved in 1 year and 7 months, this case recognizes the client’s potential to accelerate sustainable water technologies that benefit U.S. communities and ecosystems. NAILG is proud to have guided this NIW petition and looks forward to supporting the client’s continued contributions to cleaner water, smarter infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.

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 Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With more than 58,000 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 Hundreds and 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 over 58,000 in 2025.