On February 24^th, 2017, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Ph.D. Candidate/Research Assistant in the Field of Mechanical Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Mechanical Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Ph.D. Candidate/Research Assistant

Country of Origin: Iran

Service Center: Nebraska Service Center (NSC)

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Michigan

Approval Notice Date: February 24^th, 2017

Processing Time: 8 months, 30 days

Case Summary:

The team at North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) worked diligently to secure EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Iranian Ph.D. candidate and research assistant working in the field of mechanical engineering. The process of building a watertight case for this client started with a detailed analysis of his credentials and achievements. When the team at NAILG was assured of the veracity and strength of his credentials, we followed through by countersigning the attorney-client agreement. The following are some of the significant points included in the NIW petition we prepared for our client:

– Our client has made substantial contributions to the field of mechanical engineering and his research specifically addresses theoretical and practical challenges in structural engineering to reinforce civil structures. His findings have direct implications in contributing to optimum design of structures through the application of cutting-edge innovations that minimize the overall cost. Furthermore, our client’s research aids the United States’ economic and military interests through the creation of novel algorithms that confront specific structural deficiencies. We proved that retaining our client in the United States benefits the nation in multiple ways, and this compelled the USCIS to approve his candidature for the national interest waiver.

– Our client also possessed a strong publication and citation record. He had collectively published 16 peer-reviewed journal and conference articles. At the time of filing, these had garnered a sizeable 148 citations. The value and influence of his research is clearly evidenced in these numbers.

– “His research, and its implementation, is extraordinary. [Client] is producing work that is crucial to the national interest as he continuously works to strengthen the infrastructure, thereby fortifying the backbone of the nation. He is irreplaceable as a researcher; given the innovation and originality of his research thus far, one can reasonably expect immense breakthroughs for the field, from which society in general benefits.” These words were contributed by an assistant professor in a letter of recommendation. Such recommendation letters, 4 in total, collected from illustrious experts in the field of mechanical engineering further fortified our client’s NIW petition.

The team at NAILG collated all the relevant information pertaining to our client’s work and submitted a well-planned NIW petition. Our client received notification of case approval exactly 8 months and 30 days after filing. We congratulate our client on this win and hope to secure further success with the I-485 application he filed through our firm. Once approved, our client will obtain permanent residency in the United States. As we wait for the USCIS to take action on his I-485 application, we wish our client the best as he continues to conduct his research in the field of mechanical engineering.