Case Summary:               

North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) is pleased to announce the approval of an I-140 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition for a chemistry expert specializing in analytical chemistry. The petition was filed in January 2025 and approved in February 2025 under premium processing. Our client, who currently serves as an assistant professor in chemistry, is engaged in advancing nanomaterial-based analytical devices, which are vital for health and environmental monitoring. His ongoing work and demonstrated expertise positioned him as a compelling candidate under the EB-2 NIW category.

Advancing Analytical Chemistry with Nanomaterials for National Needs

Our client’s proposed endeavor focuses on developing nanomaterial-based flexible analytical methods that can be used in portable devices for environmental sensing and biosensing. This includes innovations that enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of sensors designed to detect important biological and environmental markers – work that has direct relevance to public health monitoring, particularly in areas like clean water testing and disease detection.

The importance of this research is underscored by its alignment with national priorities such as advancing clean manufacturing technologies and addressing environmental and public health crises. As noted in our petition, this endeavor not only has substantial merit but also broad national importance, particularly given the increasing need for low-cost, accessible, and effective monitoring systems in the U.S.

Strong Record of Research and Recognition

To support the petition, we carefully documented our client’s qualifications and growing recognition in the field:

• 2 peer-reviewed journal articles, 1 conference abstract, 3 book chapters, and 1 granted patent

• 17 total citations according to Google Scholar
• At least 50 completed peer reviews for respected scientific journals

Through this evidence, we demonstrated that the client is already contributing to the field through impactful publications and has gained recognition from peers through frequent invitations to review the work of others. These credentials reflect both his scientific credibility and influence in topics central to U.S. innovation interests.

Federal Support and Peer Validation

Our petition also highlighted that the client’s research has earned funding from a prominent federal agency, the National Institute of Justice, which supports work with direct implications for forensic science and public safety. This funding strengthens the case for national benefit and further affirms the critical nature of the client’s contributions.

In addition to funding support, we submitted four strong recommendation letters from independent experts across academia and industry. These letters praised the client’s innovations and emphasized his leadership in developing next-generation analytical devices.

“[Client’s] prowess in portable analytical device fabrication and his portfolio of peer review service situate him as a leader in the field and establish his inherent value to the United States.”

Petition Outcome and Outlook

The petition was approved by USCIS shortly after filing, without the need for additional evidence, underscoring the strength of the case and the national relevance of the client’s research. At NAILG, we are proud to have supported this deserving scholar and look forward to the continued impact of his work in safeguarding water quality, advancing biosensing technologies, and promoting public health and environmental sustainability in the U.S.