Success Stories: Reducing Seismic Risks Through Innovation: NIW Petition Approved for Civil Engineering Researcher

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On January 9^th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Associate Professor in the Field of Civil Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Civil Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Associate Professor

Country of Origin: Colombia

Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Colombia

Approval Notice Date: January 9^th, 2025

Processing Time: 4 months, 28 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

Strengthening Earthquake Resilience Through Civil Engineering
NAILG recently secured NIW approval for a civil engineering researcher from Colombia whose work is dedicated to advancing seismic modeling and infrastructure safety. His research develops models and analysis methods that predict the seismic behavior of soil deposits with greater accuracy, improve hazard assessments, and optimize earthquake-resistant design. These efforts directly strengthen U.S. resilience, ensuring that communities in seismically active regions are better protected.

Innovation with Direct Public Impact
The importance of this research lies not only in its technical rigor but also in its clear relevance to public safety and economic stability. By enhancing hazard characterization and reducing uncertainties in earthquake response predictions, his work provides essential insights that shape engineering standards. These advancements support the design of infrastructure capable of withstanding seismic events, thereby safeguarding both lives and critical national assets.

Recognition of Scholarly Contributions
In preparing his case, NAILG highlighted the breadth of his academic record and the recognition it has earned:

24 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 10 first-authored papers.
2 conference papers and 2 book chapters extending his influence in the field.
449 citations, reflecting substantial peer recognition.
58 completed peer reviews, demonstrating his standing as a trusted expert in evaluating cutting-edge civil engineering research.

This record underscores his ability to continue driving innovation in earthquake engineering and to contribute to the advancement of U.S. infrastructure safety.

Looking Ahead
The approval of this NIW petition reflects USCIS’s acknowledgment of both the national importance of his research and his proven ability to advance it. With NAILG’s careful preparation and strategic presentation, the petition persuasively demonstrated how his expertise in seismic modeling and infrastructure design aligns with national priorities for disaster preparedness. Moving forward, his work will continue to play a critical role in reducing seismic risks, protecting communities, and advancing resilient engineering practices across the United States.

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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