Case Summary:  

North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is pleased to share an I-140 EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) approval for the client, an electrical engineering researcher whose work supports next-generation high-frequency technologies by improving how engineers simulate light matter interactions in novel low-dimensional semiconductors.

Research Focus

With an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering, the client’s proposed endeavor is to continue developing and deploying comprehensive numerical and computational modeling tools that simulate interactions between light and matter in low-dimensional semiconductor materials. This work is intended to advance high-frequency applications such as 6G communication technology, beyond-gigahertz transistors, and next-generation photonic devices. In the petition, we emphasized that these modeling capabilities can accelerate the design and evaluation of devices that require reliable performance at terahertz and related regimes, where experimental testing alone can be costly, time-intensive, and technically constrained.

The client is currently conducting research at a U.S.-based research university, with ongoing efforts focused on multiphysics modeling of terahertz transport in two-dimensional semiconductor materials and coupled simulation approaches for nanoscale light matter interactions. This current research activity supported the case narrative that the client is actively advancing the proposed endeavor and is positioned to continue producing peer-reviewed results in the field.

An Evidentiary Record

In NIW cases, publication and citation metrics are most persuasive when they are presented as evidence of independent reliance and practical influence, not as standalone numbers. We structured the petition to show that the client’s research contributions are already being used by other researchers studying adjacent problems in high-frequency semiconductor behavior and photonic device design.

The petition highlighted the client’s scholarly record:

• 3 peer-reviewed journal articles (2 first-authored)
• 6 peer-reviewed conference articles (2 first-authored)
• 3 conference abstracts (2 first-authored)
• 25 citations
• At least 5 peer reviews completed

Rather than treating 25 citations as automatically sufficient, we framed them as an early but meaningful indicator that other researchers have begun building on the client’s findings. We also connected the citation record to examples of real research uptake, including other studies applying the client’s modeling insights to improve screening effects and carrier density considerations in semiconductor devices, analyze electronic properties in advanced carbon-based materials, and support approaches used in nonlinear optics contexts.

Peer-Recognized Authority

We also emphasized that the client has been invited to perform peer review for reputable journals in the field, reflecting professional trust in the client’s technical judgment. Adjudicators often view peer review as a strong indicator that a researcher is recognized as capable of evaluating originality and rigor, since review invitations are typically extended to individuals whose expertise is well regarded by editors and the broader scholarly community. The record reflected at least 5 completed reviews, supporting the conclusion that the client is viewed as a credible evaluator within the discipline.

In addition, the petition included evidence that the client’s research has received support connected to major U.S. funding sources, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Strategically, we presented this support as contextual evidence that the research direction aligns with nationally important priorities in advanced communications, semiconductor technology, and photonics.

Expert Recommendation Letters

To corroborate the objective record, the petition included two letters of recommendation from established experts. These letters helped connect the client’s technical work to broader importance, explaining why improved modeling of light matter interactions in low-dimensional semiconductors can influence downstream device development and why the client’s continued research is positioned to benefit the United States.

The Result

The NIW I-140 petition was approved, reflecting that the case presentation persuasively established the national importance of the client’s proposed endeavor, the client’s strong positioning to advance it through a documented publication record, independent citations, peer-review activity, and major research support, and the broader benefit of waiving the job offer and labor certification requirements.