Success Story: From RFE to NIW Approval: NAILG Strengthens the Case for a Materials Science Researcher

Posted by wegreened on October 22, 2026 in NIW, Materials Engineering (Textile Technology, Materials Science, Polymer Science)

Client’s Testimonial:

“Thanks for the efforts in the application.”

On September 15^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctorate Research Associate in the Field of Materials Science (Approval Notice).

General Field: Materials Science

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctorate Research Associate

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Texas

Approval Notice Date: September 15^th, 2026

Processing Time: 24 months, 12 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

This National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition centered on demonstrating the substantial merit and national importance of the client’s research in environmental materials engineering. Holding a Ph.D. in bioengineering, the client currently conducts research at a U.S. academic institution.

During adjudication, USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) questioning the petition. To overcome the RFE and establish that the client was well positioned to advance his endeavor under Matter of Dhanasar, North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) structured the response around concrete quantitative metrics, bibliometric context, and federal interest:

63 total citations from independent researchers worldwide
7 peer-reviewed journal articles (1 first-authored) and 2 conference abstracts (1 first-authored)
At least 7 completed peer reviews for authoritative scientific journals in the field
Research supported by prestigious funding bodies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Basic Research Program of China, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China

Rather than presenting metrics as self-evidently sufficient, our team provided in-depth bibliometric analysis to demonstrate how an adjudicator should interpret his scholarly impact. We established that his first-authored paper ranked among the top 10% most-cited materials science articles for its publication year, proving that independent scientists actively rely on his findings.

The record was further supported by 4 recommendation letters from independent and collaborative field experts who confirmed the national value and technical necessity of his research.

As one expert noted:

“His record of highly practical and environmentally significant discoveries thus highlights the value of his ongoing research in materials science for environmental remediation in the United States.”

By directly addressing the adjudicator's concerns with updated evidence, independent implementation examples, federal funding documentation, and expert support, NAILG successfully secured the client’s I-140 NIW approval following the RFE. This outcome allows the client to continue his vital work advancing sustainable water purification and environmental materials technologies in the United States.

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

With nearly 69,000 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 Tens of 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 nearly 69,000 in 2025.

Track Record of Success EB-1 and NIW Approvals

(2012.01 - 2025.12)

Category	Approval or Refund^®		Approval or Refiling^TM
	Approval or Refund^®
Category	Approved Sum	Success Rate	Approved Sum	Success Rate
NIW	42,047	99%	5,258	97%
EB1A	9,218	91%	4,534	86%
EB1B	1,488	98%	448	93%
Total	52,753	98%	10,240	92%