Success Story: NIW Approved After an RFE for a Senior Optical Engineer from Mexico

Posted by wegreened on April 22, 2026 in NIW, Physics (Engineering Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Biophysics, Optics, Photonics, Plasma)

Client’s Testimonial:

"The case preparation was very professional. The attorney answered all my questions with clarity. I am satisfied with the process, and I will recommend this law firm.”

On February 20^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) Approval for a Senior Optical Engineer in the Field of Optics and Photonics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Optics and Photonics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Senior Optical Engineer

Country of Origin: Mexico

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Connecticut

Approval Notice Date: February 20^th, 2026

Processing Time: 8 months and 11 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

"Considering the value presented by strengthening the polarization output of optical devices, halting [Client]’s research would be damaging to medical, communication, and technological sectors overall. It is therefore within the interests of the United States to allow [Client]’s research to continue."

This statement from one of four recommendation letters highlights the exceptional case of our client from Mexico, a Ph.D. holder in optics and photonics. Drawing on our extensive experience and a proven track record of over 32,000 successful cases, our expert team meticulously crafted a compelling I-140 NIW petition.

Currently serving as a senior optical engineer, the client proposes to advance research on using linear and nonlinear phenomena in waveguides to improve and develop new single-mode and multimode optical fibers for data communication systems, LiDAR, medical devices, and high-power lasers.

The research addresses critical national priorities, as advanced optical fiber technologies underpin the United States' telecommunications infrastructure, defense systems such as LiDAR, and medical imaging capabilities. The work directly supports U.S. technological competitiveness and national security interests.

We highlighted impressive credentials:

9 peer-reviewed journal articles (1 first-authored), 15 peer-reviewed conference papers (6 first-authored), and 1 preprint, published in 7 highly ranked peer-reviewed journals in the field
310 citations
At least 3 completed reviews
Research supported by major U.S. funding bodies including the Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Science Foundation (NSF), Army Research Office (ARO), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) Program, S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Simons Foundation, affirming the national importance of the client's work

We are delighted to share that the NIW petition was approved in 8 months and 11 days following a successful RFE response with our assistance. It has been an honor to support this exceptional researcher, and we extend our sincere best wishes for continued success in advancing optical fiber technologies that serve the United States' national interests.

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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 64,000 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.

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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%