Success Story: NIW Victory Without RFE! We Helped an Iranian Ph.D. student, Teaching Assistant & Part-time Graduate Researcher Secure Success
Client’s Testimonial:
“Thank you so much for the happy news. I enjoyed collaborating with your firm, and I will definitely suggest your firm to other applicants.”
On April 9th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Ph.D. student, Teaching Assistant & Part-time Graduate Researcher in the Field of Chemistry (Approval Notice).
General Field: Chemistry
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Ph.D. student, Teaching Assistant & Part-time Graduate Researcher
Country of Origin: Iran
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: April 9th, 2025
Processing Time: 16 months, 3 days
Case Summary:
We are proud to share the success of an accomplished expert and also an MS holder, whose I-140 NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition was approved after 16 months and 3 days without any RFE. Her groundbreaking research in catalysis and green chemistry earned her national interest recognition, affirming the merit and impact of her work in the United States.
Our client’s proposed endeavor centers on developing novel methods for enzyme design to address low activity and predictability in biocatalysts. Her work contributes to reducing environmental harm and manufacturing costs across the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, aligning with national goals for economic and sustainable growth.
Currently conducting research in the U.S., she continues to study enzyme structural dynamics during catalysis to enhance the design of effective biocatalysts for drug synthesis and other industrial applications.
Her NIW petition, filed under the EB-2 classification, was supported by:
● 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 1 first-authored,
● Over 46 total citations, with one article ranked among the top 10% most cited papers in Biology & Biochemistry for its publication year,
● A record of research that has been widely cited by independent researchers across multiple countries, reflecting global scholarly influence.
To reinforce her qualifications, two letters of recommendation were included—one from a U.S.-based independent expert, highlighting her influence on biocatalysis and catalyst development.“[Client’s] service to her field, including her investigation into palladium-catalyzed and copper-catalyzed methods for amination of aryl halides, her frequent publication of her original research, and the sheer novelty and utility of her methods and devices all distinguish her from others in the chemistry arena and make the value of her ongoing work in the United States undeniable.”
This case demonstrates how a compelling combination of technical expertise and proven impact can lead to a successful NIW outcome. We congratulate our client and look forward to her continued contributions to advancing sustainable chemistry in the U.S. and beyond.