Success Story: Applied Economics Expert Secures I-140 NIW Approval for Energy Market Research
Client’s Testimonial:
"Working with Chen Immigration for my EB-2 NIW petition was a highly structured and efficient experience. As an outland applicant, their rigorous evaluation and precise presentation of my academic record resulted in my petition being approved in 2 months and 8 days via Premium Processing without an RFE. I recommend their legal team to researchers aiming for a predictable and professional immigration process.”
On June 24th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Associate Professor in the Field of Applied Economics (Approval Notice).
General Field: Applied Economics
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Associate Professor
Country of Origin: Turkey
Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Turkey
Approval Notice Date: June 24th, 2026
Processing Time: 2 months, 8 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share that our client’s I-140 NIW petition was approved. The client holds a Ph.D. in economics and works as an associate professor, focusing on applied economics research that uses advanced econometric modeling, causal inference, and machine learning techniques to study complex energy market datasets.
The client’s proposed endeavor centers on supporting a cost-effective energy transition, strengthening U.S. energy security, and reducing the economic risks associated with climate change. In preparing the petition, we demonstrated that this work carries both substantial merit and national importance because it provides data-driven insight into how renewable energy adoption, carbon emissions, inflation, employment, and financial market stability interact. Rather than presenting the research as abstract academic work, we explained how the client’s modeling can help policymakers and industry leaders evaluate energy transition strategies while limiting risks such as workforce displacement, economic instability, and climate-related financial volatility.
The client’s record also helped establish that he is well positioned to advance this endeavor. His scholarly output includes 34 peer-reviewed journal articles, 6 book chapters, and 3 books, with a significant portion of these works completed as first author. His published body of work has received 957 citations, showing that other researchers have repeatedly relied on his findings and methods. We further emphasized that several of his articles ranked within highly cited percentile groups for their publication years and field, which helped contextualize the citation record as evidence of independent reliance rather than a simple numerical total.
In addition, the client has completed at least 30 peer reviews for journals in his field. We explained that this review service reflects peer trust in his expertise, since journal editors generally invite reviewers who can evaluate specialized research with authority and judgment. Combined with his publication record, citation history, and ongoing research plans, this evidence showed a pattern of sustained scholarly contribution in applied economics.
Ultimately, we positioned the case around the client’s ability to generate research that extends beyond a single employer and benefits broader stakeholders in academia, industry, and government. We congratulate the client on this I-140 NIW approval and wish him continued success as he advances applied economics research supporting energy security, climate resilience, and economic stability in the United States.