Success Story: Materials Science Researcher from Sri Lanka Secures I-140 NIW Approval Without RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
"Thank you very much for the Great news. Thank you very much for all the support you have given me.”
On June 22nd, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Manufacturing Engineer - 2 in the Field of Chemistry (Approval Notice).
General Field: Chemistry
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Manufacturing Engineer - 2
Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Ohio
Approval Notice Date: June 22nd, 2026
Processing Time: 2 months, 2 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share the approval of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition for a researcher from Sri Lanka working in the field of chemistry, with a focus on thin-film photovoltaic device optimization and advanced functional materials development.
The client holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and was employed as a manufacturing engineer in the renewable energy sector at the time of filing. His research focuses on developing novel materials and improving existing material systems and characterization techniques to enhance the efficiency, stability, and scalability of thin-film-based photovoltaic devices. This work is directly relevant to advancing next-generation solar energy technologies and improving cost-effective clean energy production.
Prepared under the Dhanasar framework, the petition demonstrated that the client’s proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, that he is well-positioned to advance the endeavor, and that, on balance, it is beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. We emphasized that thin-film photovoltaic innovation is critical to U.S. clean energy expansion, energy security, and industrial competitiveness, particularly in the context of accelerating renewable energy adoption and domestic manufacturing growth.
To establish strong evidence of the client’s professional standing, we presented objective indicators of research impact and recognition, including 4 peer-reviewed journal publications (3 as first author) and 123 citations. The client’s research has also been supported by competitive funding from major institutions, including the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, the Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences program, the National Science Foundation, and the Nevada Water Resources Research Institute.
We further demonstrated that the client’s work has been widely recognized and utilized by independent researchers in related domains, including plasmonic catalysis, nanomaterial engineering, single-atom catalyst design, and environmental adsorption systems. These citations reflect meaningful independent reliance on the client’s methodologies and findings, underscoring the broader impact of his contributions across materials chemistry and renewable energy research.
Supported by 2 expert recommendation letters, the case highlighted the client’s combined strengths in academic research, citation influence, funded scientific contributions, and ongoing industry-based innovation. One expert noted:
“His research in plasmon-driven catalysis provides scalable solutions for cost-effective, energy-efficient chemical transformations—advancing the nation’s research capacity and industrial innovation ecosystem.”
We are pleased to congratulate the client on the approval of his I-140 NIW petition without RFE and look forward to his continued contributions to materials science innovation and sustainable energy technologies in the United States.