Success Story: NIW Approval After RFE Secured for Materials Physics Research Supporting Next-Generation Battery Technologies
Client’s Testimonial:
"I would like to thank the whole team that worked on my case with my whole heart. This means everything to me, especially after getting the RFE, to turn around and get an approval. Thank you so much. I will forever be grateful to Chen, and I will recommend each and every one of my friends to go through Chen for their immigration process.”
On July 28th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a PhD candidate in the Field of Materials Physics (Approval Notice).
General Field: Materials Physics
Position at the Time of Case Filing: PhD candidate
Country of Origin: Nepal
Approval Notice Date: July 28th, 2026
Processing Time: 8 months, 14 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)
Case Summary:
Advancing energy storage technologies is increasingly important as the United States seeks stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities, greater energy security, and more reliable battery systems for demanding environments. In this case, the client successfully obtained approval of an I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition after responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE), demonstrating both the national importance of the proposed work and the client's ability to advance it.
Holding an M.S. in physics, the client specializes in materials physics and is conducting research focused on developing and analyzing next-generation anodes, cathodes, and electrolyte components for high-energy-density, wide-temperature-range lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The petition explained that these technologies have applications across critical industries requiring reliable energy storage under challenging operating conditions. At the time of filing, the client was actively engaged in this area of research and intended to continue advancing battery materials capable of improving both performance and durability.
A significant part of the petition focused on demonstrating why the client's work extends beyond routine academic research. Rather than relying solely on credentials, the filing connected the client's research to broader U.S. priorities involving energy resilience, clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and battery innovation. The petition further showed that the research had received support from the U.S. government agency, highlighting its relevance to nationally significant technological objectives. This government-backed research support reinforced the argument that the client's work addresses issues of substantial merit and national importance.
The petition also documented the client's growing record of scholarly achievement. The client had published 4 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 2 first-authored publications, while the published research had accumulated 15 citations from other researchers. Instead of presenting these numbers as sufficient by themselves, the petition explained that independent citations reflected other scientists' reliance on the client's findings when advancing research in battery materials and related technologies. In addition, the client had completed at least 2 peer reviews, demonstrating that recognized publication venues had entrusted the client with evaluating the work of fellow researchers, an indication of professional expertise within the field.
To further strengthen the case, the petition included three recommendation letters from experts familiar with the client's research accomplishments. These letters provided professional assessments of the originality, technical value, and future potential of the client's work, complementing the objective evidence presented throughout the petition. One expert noted:
“[Client’s] ongoing research is vital to ensuring the reuse of natural resources and enabling circular economy of solid-state batteries.”
Following careful preparation of the RFE response, USCIS approved the client's NIW petition in over 8 months. The approval demonstrates how a thoughtfully organized presentation of research accomplishments, scholarly influence, independent expert support, and evidence of national importance can collectively establish that a researcher is well positioned to continue making contributions that benefit the United States.