Success Story: A Ph.D. Student from China Secures EB-2 NIW Approval in 17 Months without an RFE

Posted by wegreened on May 4, 2026 in NIW, Computer Science (Internet, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Cryptography)

Client’s Testimonial:

"THANK YOU SO MUCH for the wonderful work, quick response, and easy workflow!!!”

On March 6^th, 2026, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Ph.D. Student in the Field of Computer Engineering (Approval Notice).

General Field: Computer Engineering

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Ph.D. Student

Country of Origin: China

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Pennsylvania

Approval Notice Date: March 6^th, 2026

Processing Time: 17 months, 27 days

Case Summary:

It was a privilege for our team to assist a Ph.D. student specializing in computer engineering from China with an EB-2 NIW petition. Drawing on our extensive experience and a proven track record of over 32,000 successful cases, this case demonstrates our commitment to I-140 clients through strategic, case-by-case analysis and meticulous petition development. The petition achieved approval in over 17 months without an RFE.

Building the Foundation

The client holds an M.Eng. in electrical and computer engineering and is currently a Ph.D. student conducting research in explainable AI methods and automated systems for healthcare. The research aims to advance the transparency of complex black-box AI models to enable more accurate diagnoses, better radiosurgery treatment plans, and energy-efficient automated systems that benefit healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public.

Our team's initial assessment identified several compelling strengths: a publication portfolio in high-impact journals, strong citation metrics with two papers ranking among the most cited in their field, and direct alignment with U.S. national interests.

We documented the expert's impressive metrics: 67 citations, 6 peer-reviewed journal articles (2 of them first-authored), 1 peer-reviewed conference proceeding, 5 abstracts (4 of them first-authored), 2 preprints (both first-authored), and 25 peer reviews conducted for leading journals.

NIW Approval and Outlook

This outcome underscores our continued success in securing approvals for researchers whose work advances the application of AI in critical healthcare challenges. The client's ongoing research into explainable AI and automated diagnostic systems continues to drive progress toward more accurate, transparent, and accessible medical care, aligning closely with the United States' long-term goals of innovation, health security, and technological leadership in artificial intelligence.

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North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Sixty-four Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With nearly 64,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Tens of Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our cumulative total of approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to nearly 64,000 in 2025.

Track Record of Success EB-1 and NIW Approvals

(2012.01 - 2025.12)

Category	Approval or Refund^®		Approval or Refiling^TM
	Approval or Refund^®
Category	Approved Sum	Success Rate	Approved Sum	Success Rate
NIW	42,047	99%	5,258	97%
EB1A	9,218	91%	4,534	86%
EB1B	1,488	98%	448	93%
Total	52,753	98%	10,240	92%