Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a researcher in electrical and computer engineering whose work is helping advance diagnostic imaging and AI-based analysis for improved healthcare outcomes. At the time of filing, the client was serving as a software engineer and had already contributed significant research aimed at enhancing image quality, medical diagnostics, and treatment evaluation using cutting-edge algorithm design.

Research with Substantial Merit and National Importance:
 The client’s proposed endeavor focuses on the development of high-performance software tools integrating image processing, machine learning, and software engineering to support critical healthcare applications. These include image quality enhancement, diagnostic accuracy improvement, treatment efficacy monitoring, and biomarker identification. Her research supports not only clinical decision-making but also contributes to more equitable and efficient healthcare delivery, particularly in fields facing diagnostic limitations.

Her work addresses urgent national challenges such as reducing medical errors and diagnostic delays. The integration of artificial intelligence and image-processing technologies into clinical workflows has the potential to reduce national healthcare spending by billions, and her advancements directly support these objectives. Funding support from leading institutions, including the NIH, NEI, Edward N. & Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, BrightFocus Foundation, and Foundation Fighting Blindness, further validates the national importance of her work.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor:
 The client holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering and has built a strong academic and professional record in this field. Her portfolio includes 9 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 conference papers, and 14 abstracts. One of her journal articles ranks among the top 10% most cited in the engineering field for its publication year, with her overall body of work cited 119 times according to Google Scholar. She has also completed at least 4 peer reviews, reflecting peer recognition of her expertise.

Her innovations include image enhancement algorithms for ophthalmic imaging, automated tools for detecting concussive eye movement biomarkers, and advanced software for high-resolution visualization of retinal structures. These tools are already being cited and implemented by researchers across the globe in fields such as neurology, ophthalmology, and vision science.

Recognition from the Scientific Community:
 To support the petition, we submitted four strong letters of recommendation from established experts in the field. These letters provided insight into the impact, innovation, and significance of the client’s research, affirming her leadership and influence in medical imaging technology development.

“Her research is critically important to the United States concerning public health and financial assets.”

Final Result:
 The client’s I-140 petition under the NIW category was approved in February 2025, using premium processing. This outcome underscores the strength of her case and the relevance of her contributions to national healthcare goals.

Through strategic advocacy, NAILG was proud to assist this client in presenting a compelling petition that demonstrated the national importance of her work and her proven ability to advance it. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of her innovations in diagnostic imaging and artificial intelligence on patient care and healthcare systems.