Success Story: NAILG Highlights Research Influence Beyond Citation Count to Help Secure NIW Approval
Client’s Testimonial:
“I again appreciate all your guidance during the process.”
On September 15th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Graduate Research Assistant in the Field of Petroleum Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Petroleum Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Graduate Research Assistant
Approval Notice Date: September 15th, 2026
Processing Time: 11 months, 30 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
With advanced training in energy engineering, the client had developed specialized expertise in complex subsurface storage systems. The proposed endeavor centered on advancing large-scale underground energy storage solutions to support power diversification, reduce systemic resource waste, and accelerate the transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy infrastructure.
North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) presented the client’s existing record as evidence of a strong foundation for continuing this work. Rather than relying on publication volume alone, the petition highlighted several aspects of the client’s background:
- An M.Eng. in petroleum engineering
- 1 first-authored peer-reviewed journal article
- 2 first-authored conference papers
- 4 citations to the client’s published work
The petition further demonstrated that the client’s work was already actively contributing to the developing landscape of advanced energy storage. Independent researchers had drawn upon the client’s findings to evaluate the feasibility of large-scale underground storage and examine factors affecting resource behavior in complex subsurface formations. These examples provided concrete evidence that, despite a relatively modest citation count, the client’s research actively informed subsequent investigations in the field. NAILG seamlessly connected this track record with the broader purpose of the endeavor. Because reliable storage is essential for expanding alternative energy resources, the petition successfully aligned the client's ongoing research with overarching U.S. initiatives concerning energy security, infrastructure development, and the transition to cleaner power systems.
Following a long adjudication period, including a premium processing upgrade submitted on July 15th, 2026, the client’s NIW petition was approved on September 15th, 2026. This approval marked an important milestone as the client continued applying petroleum engineering expertise to emerging challenges in hydrogen storage and clean-energy infrastructure. We wish the client continued success in future research and professional endeavors.