Case Summary:     

The United States immigration system recognizes that groundbreaking research can transcend borders and benefit the nation’s health and economy. Such was the case for a talented graduate research assistant from Bangladesh who recently obtained EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval with the legal support of NAILG.

Our client, a computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence and healthcare diagnostics, proposed a research endeavor that integrates AI and virtual reality to detect, quantify, and predict various health conditions. With a strong academic foundation and a growing record of impactful publications, this client sought to continue this promising work in the U.S. without requiring a permanent job offer. NAILG stepped in to build a case that highlighted both the scientific merit and the national importance of the proposed research.

Innovative Research with Far-Reaching Impact

At the core of the client’s research is the development of novel artificial intelligence models that tackle pressing healthcare issues such as vision impairment, neurological disorders, and brain-related conditions. By creating tools capable of analyzing medical images and data from virtual reality-based assessments, the client’s work promises to revolutionize early diagnosis and targeted treatment.

The case emphasized that these innovations are not theoretical—they directly address global health burdens with measurable economic implications. For instance, the cost of vision loss alone exceeds hundreds of billions globally. The integration of AI into early diagnostic tools has already shown a capacity to reduce treatment costs by nearly half and improve patient outcomes significantly.

Record of Scholarly Achievement

At the time of filing, the client had authored 21 peer-reviewed journal articles and 4 conference papers, with over 88 citations to his name. Many of these articles ranked in the top percentile of cited publications in computer science for his publication year, reinforcing the client’s influence in the field.

Beyond publishing, the client also served as a peer reviewer for reputable journals, completing at least six reviews, which underscored his recognition as an expert. His work has been cited by scholars conducting advanced research in radiology, patient care, and precision medicine.

Backed by Strategic Funding

NAILG strategically included evidence of major research funding from NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, both of which had supported the client’s AI and virtual reality-based diagnostic research. These endorsements reinforced the government’s recognition of the national relevance of the client’s projects.

Why USCIS Approved the Petition

NAILG successfully demonstrated that the client met all prongs under the Dhanasar framework:

1. The proposed endeavor held substantial merit and national importance.
2. The client was well-positioned to advance the endeavor based on past accomplishments and future plans.
3. On balance, waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the United States.

In just over seven months, USCIS agreed, approving the petition after issuing an RFE, which NAILG handled with precision and care.

This case is a compelling example of how immigration and innovation intersect. With a vision rooted in technology and a mission focused on public health, the client now continues his journey of discovery and service in the U.S., thanks to the expertise and advocacy of NAILG.