Case Summary:  

This NIW approval highlights a South Korean graduate student whose work combines biomedical engineering and AI-enabled ultrasound analysis to make super-resolution microvascular imaging more practical for real-world use. The proposed endeavor focuses on developing next-generation super-resolution ultrasound techniques, including approaches that support advanced 3D and functional imaging, so clinicians and researchers can visualize microvascular structures more clearly and consistently. At the time of filing, the client was continuing this work in the United States through a graduate research appointment aligned with the proposed endeavor.

Research with National Importance

In the petition, we demonstrated substantial merit and national importance by linking the endeavor to U.S. needs in earlier detection and improved monitoring of vascular and neurovascular conditions, where better imaging can support timelier decisions and reduce downstream healthcare burden. We also emphasized that improving the usability and accessibility of super-resolution ultrasound helps expand advanced imaging beyond limited settings, while enabling neuroscience research that depends on high-resolution views of microvascular activity.

Academic Contributions and Recognition

The petition documented an established record of scholarly output and peer trust. The client’s work includes 8 peer-reviewed journal articles, 1 peer-reviewed conference article, 6 conference abstracts, and 1 preprint, along with 2 patented innovations related to AI-enabled diagnostic imaging. The work has received 151 citations, reflecting meaningful reliance by other researchers. The petition also documented at least 11 completed peer reviews for respected journals, reinforcing professional trust in the client’s technical judgment in this competitive area.

Expert Endorsements

The filing incorporated expert letters, along with independent advisory opinions, explaining the broader value of the client’s research beyond a single lab or project.

As one expert stated:

“[Client] supports interdisciplinary healthcare innovation and drives progress in oncology and geriatric care by advancing biomedical technologies in the United States, offering solutions for various diagnostic challenges and enhancing overall public health standards.”

This endorsement aligns with the petition’s positioning that the client’s imaging and AI methods have broad clinical relevance, including in patient populations where earlier, more reliable detection and monitoring can meaningfully improve outcomes.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on September 25th, 2024, and approved on January 16th, 2026, following an upgrade to premium processing. In the filing, we showed that the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, the client is well-positioned to advance it through a strong publication, citation, and peer-recognition record, and that granting the waiver benefits the United States by enabling continued progress in AI-enabled super-resolution ultrasound for microvascular imaging.