Success Story: Skin Biology Researcher Secures I-140 NIW Approval for Cancer-Focused Work
Client’s Testimonial:
"I feel like I made the best decision to use the services of Chen immigration attorneys for my NIW application. I truly appreciate your help and guidance throughout the process. I was actually surprised by the promptness of your responses to my queries. I didn't hesitate to ask any issues that I was not sure about, and they were always addressed amazingly. The petition and recommendation letters were of very high quality. I look forward to a positive result, and the process gives me more confident on it now. Thank you very much again.”
On May 14th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Field of Skin Biology (Approval Notice).
General Field: Skin Biology
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Scientist
Country of Origin: Nepal
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: May 14th, 2026
Processing Time: 23 months, 14 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share that the client, a Ph.D. researcher in biochemistry and molecular biochemistry, received I-140 NIW approval for work in the field of skin biology. The client is currently conducting research in a U.S.-based academic setting, where the client continues to study the genetic evolution of skin cancers from normal skin cells, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with the goal of improving awareness, early understanding, and therapeutic strategies for these cancers.
In preparing the petition, we emphasized that the client’s proposed endeavor carried both substantial merit and national importance because skin cancer remains a serious public health concern in the United States. Rather than presenting the work as a narrow laboratory project, the petition framed it as research that could help clarify how skin cancers develop, support more effective treatment strategies, and contribute to broader advances in cancer biology and precision medicine.
The client’s record also helped demonstrate that the client was well positioned to continue advancing this endeavor. The petition highlighted 6 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 1 first-authored article, 14 conference abstracts, including 11 first-authored abstracts, and 1 first-authored preprint. The client’s publications had received 174 citations, which we explained as evidence that other researchers had relied on the client’s findings in studies involving melanoma biology, cancer therapy resistance, melanocyte stem cells, and genomic analysis tools. The petition also noted that at least 2 of the client’s papers ranked among the top 20% most-cited articles in their field and publication years.
We further documented the client’s peer-review service, including at least 4 completed reviews. This evidence supported the argument that journals recognized the client’s expertise and trusted the client to evaluate the work of other researchers in related fields.
The petition also included evidence of major funding sources supporting the client’s research. These funding sources evidence helped show that the client’s work aligned with recognized scientific and public health priorities.
Finally, 4 recommendation letters from experts in the field supported the client’s qualifications, research impact, and ability to continue contributing to skin biology and cancer research. One expert stated: “Therefore, [Client’s] review service illustrates his recognition as an expert in the skin biology research community.”
Through a carefully prepared I-140 NIW petition, we demonstrated that the client’s work reflected more than a strong academic record. It showed a research path with practical relevance to cancer awareness, biological discovery, and therapeutic development. We congratulate the client on this important approval and wish the client continued success.