Success Story: NIW Approved Despite RFE! Our Firm Helped A Chinese Graduate Student Secure Success with Premium Processing

Client’s Testimonial:

“WG made my application process incredibly smooth and stress-free. Their responsiveness and willingness to iterate multiple times were truly impressive. I’m thrilled with the positive result, and it’s all thanks to their exceptional support and advice.”

On May 19^th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Graduate Student in the Field of Biomedical Optics (Approval Notice).

General Field: Biomedical Optics

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Graduate Student

Country of Origin: China

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California

Approval Notice Date: May 19^th, 2025

Processing Time: 7 months, 2 days (Premium Processing Requested)

Case Summary:

We are proud to announce the approval of an I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition for a researcher working at the intersection of biomedical optics, imaging, and engineering. Although the case received a Request for Evidence (RFE), it was successfully approved within seven months under premium processing.

Transforming Brain Health with Optical Innovation

The client’s research centers on developing scalable, non-invasive diagnostic devices that measure brain blood flow dynamics to support early detection of strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and cerebral perfusion disorders. Their devices use interferometry and speckle imaging to enable real-time brain monitoring, designed for affordability and widespread clinical use.

Currently based in a U.S. research setting and transitioning into an R&D role at a global medical tech firm, the client’s work aligns with urgent healthcare needs in stroke prevention and neurological care.

Research Output and Field Recognition

At filing, the client had published five peer-reviewed journal articles (three as first author), four conference abstracts, and one preprint. Their work had received 57 citations, with four papers ranking among the top 10% most cited engineering publications of their year. Their innovations have influenced global research in biomedical imaging and optical diagnostics.

They have also completed at least nine peer reviews for leading journals and conferences, reflecting their respected standing in the scientific community.

Expert Support and National Relevance

The petition included four expert letters, both independent and affiliated, that attested to the client’s originality in brain imaging and their translational impact on clinical technologies.

“[Client’s] skillset is irreplaceable, given its immense benefits to cerebral health and biomedical research, particularly in preventing strokes. It is imperative that he be allowed to carry out his research uninterrupted so that the United States is able to benefit fully from its value.”

Their research addresses critical public health challenges, particularly stroke and concussion diagnostics, and supports U.S. priorities in preventive medicine and healthcare innovation. Backed by NIH funding, their work aims to bring real-time, low-cost monitoring tools to underserved and emergency settings.

A Timely and Compelling Approval

This approval affirms that the client’s work meets national needs and that their continued research in the U.S. will drive meaningful advancements in health equity and diagnostics. We’re honored to support pioneering scientists improving lives through biomedical innovation.

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 Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With more than 58,000 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 Hundreds and 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.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our cumulative total of approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to over 58,000 in 2025.