Success Story: 6-Day Success Story! NIW Approved for A Senior Geologist via Premium Processing

Client’s Testimonial:

“Thank you so much for the great news and for all your support throughout this process! I truly appreciate the professionalism, responsiveness, and guidance your team provided during my I-140 NIW petition.”

In May 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Senior Geologist in the Field of Geological Sciences (Approval Notice).

General Field: Geological Sciences

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Senior Geologist

Approval Notice Date: May 2025

Processing Time: 6 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

We are pleased to share that a National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition filed for a PhD holder focused on hydrocarbon exploration was approved in just 6 days under premium processing, reflecting the strength of the submission and the clear national importance of the client’s research.

The client’s proposed endeavor centers on innovative geoscience techniques to improve energy exploration. These efforts are directed at improving subsurface reservoir characterization, thereby optimizing the efficiency of hydrocarbon exploration and production – an essential aim in maintaining U.S. energy security and long-term sustainability.

At the time of filing, the client was preparing to assume a research-focused position that would allow him to further pursue these objectives within the energy sector. His future work involves advancing technologies that directly support strategic energy development and promote domestic innovation in geosciences.

The petition emphasized his substantial academic output, which includes five peer-reviewed journal articles, one technical report, and one published abstract. Of these, two papers were first-authored, and one has already ranked among the most highly cited in geosciences for its year of publication. His body of work has received under 100 citations, reflecting the broad impact of his research on both academia and industry. He has also served as a peer reviewer for top journals, completing at least three expert reviews, further underscoring his reputation in the field.

To demonstrate his influence, the petition detailed how his findings have shaped global research efforts in areas such as machine learning applications for seismic interpretation, carbonate reservoir modeling, and subsurface lithology prediction. His publications have been cited in studies improving hydrocarbon recovery techniques and refining depositional models—clear indicators of real-world application.

The petition was supported by three letters of recommendation from established professionals in geosciences, including an independent recommender.

“In summary, [client] is an innovative and impactful researcher whose work improves both the scientific and operational dimensions of subsurface interpretation. His contributions have meaningful applications in U.S. energy development and beyond, and I fully support his petition.”

USCIS agreed that the client’s expertise and record of impactful research justified a waiver of the labor certification requirement. We are proud to have supported this geoscientist’s petition and look forward to the contributions he will continue to make in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability in 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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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.

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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.

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