Success Story: NIW Approved Despite RFE! We Helped a Computer Science Researcher Secure Success With Our Expert Filing
Client’s Testimonial:
"I had a great experience working with Chen Immigration on my EB-2 NIW petition. The team was highly professional and provided a detailed, thorough strategy throughout the entire process. Communication was smooth and responsive, with replies delivered within just a few days. Their expertise made a huge difference in navigating the journey from filing as a PhD student to ultimately securing my approval. I highly recommend their services to anyone pursuing an NIW petition."
On July 17th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a PhD candidate + Associate Instructor/ Research Assistant in the Field of Computer Science and Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Computer Science and Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: PhD candidate + Associate Instructor/ Research Assistant
Country of Origin: Turkey
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: July 17th, 2026
Processing Time: 27 months, 26 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)
Case Summary:
A recent I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) approval was secured after a Request for Evidence (RFE) for a computer science and engineering researcher whose work focuses on developing highly efficient machine learning models and advanced data processing and analysis techniques to solve large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) problems.
The client's research is centered on improving machine learning and deep learning technologies by developing scalable algorithms that enhance graph neural networks, increase computational efficiency, and improve the explainability of AI models. At the time of filing, the client, who holds a master's degree in computer engineering, was conducting research at a U.S. university while continuing to advance methods for high-performance computing, machine learning, and large-scale data analytics. We demonstrated that the client's proposed endeavor possesses substantial merit and national importance because it supports continued innovation in AI technologies recognized as critical to the United States' technological leadership.
The client's academic and professional record reflected sustained achievement in the field. Specifically:
- 6 peer-reviewed conference papers, including 2 first-authored papers
- 5 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 1 first-authored article
- 1 accepted peer-reviewed conference paper
- 2 preprints, including 1 first-authored preprint
- 87 citations to published research
- At least 10 completed peer reviews
- Research supported by a major funding source from the National Science Foundation (NSF)
The petition also included 2 recommendation letters that explained the originality and technical significance of the client's research in machine learning, high-performance computing, and data analytics. These expert assessments helped provide independent support for the client's qualifications and future potential in the field.
“His achievements and specialized knowledge underscore his standing as a top-tier researcher, well-positioned to continue pursuing transformative work in improving machine learning solutions for real-world problems.”
To demonstrate the client's significance, North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) presented evidence showing that independent researchers had relied on the client's work to advance software infrastructure for high-performance computing, optimize machine learning algorithms, improve biomedical AI applications, and develop efficient real-time detection systems. Rather than relying solely on publication and citation numbers, we explained how the client's research had been incorporated into subsequent scientific investigations, indicating that the client's original methodologies had become valuable resources for other researchers. We also emphasized the client's peer-review service and NSF-supported research as objective evidence that the client's expertise had earned recognition within the research community.
The RFE response further clarified how the client satisfied the National Interest Waiver standard by organizing the evidence around the national importance of the proposed endeavor and the client's ability to continue advancing it. We demonstrated that the client's work addresses important challenges in machine learning, data processing, and artificial intelligence while supporting technologies identified by the U.S. government as critical and emerging. The response also showed that the client's research had already influenced the work of other scientists and was supported by competitive federal funding, reinforcing that the client was well positioned to continue making meaningful contributions in this nationally important area.
USCIS approved the client's I-140 National Interest Waiver petition following the RFE. By presenting a structured evidentiary record demonstrating the national importance of the client's research, the influence of the client's scholarly contributions, and the client's continued ability to advance innovative AI technologies, NAILG helped establish that waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements would benefit the United States.