approved EB-2 (NIW)

R&D Engineer

Environmental Engineering · China · 2023-11-15

Processing Time
88 days
Decision Date
2023-11-15
This case is from a publicly available case study. Case studies tend to feature successful outcomes and may not reflect the full range of petition results.

Proposed Endeavor

The petitioner proposes to continue her research in environmental engineering, specifically focusing on bioaugmentation, membrane technology, and desalination. Her work aims to advance real-world solutions for clean water systems and energy-efficient waste treatment through the enhancement of anaerobic digestion processes.

Framework Evaluation

3 of 3 criteria met
1 Substantial Merit and National Importance Met

The petitioner's work in clean water systems and energy-efficient waste treatment was found to have significant national importance for environmental sustainability.

2 Well-positioned to Advance the Endeavor Met

Her record of 18 publications, high citation count, and funding from major scientific foundations demonstrated she is well-positioned to succeed.

3 On Balance, Beneficial to Waive Job Offer Met

Given the petitioner's unique expertise in DIET and membrane technology, USCIS found it beneficial to waive the labor certification requirement.

Why This Petition Was Approved

The petition was approved based on the petitioner's 18 peer-reviewed journal articles and 574 citations across 56 countries, placing her in the top 1% of her field. She also demonstrated significant impact through 11 completed peer reviews and original contributions to methanogenesis and membrane bioreactor protocols. The case satisfied all three Dhanasar prongs without an RFE.

Evidence

Evidence Types
Peer Reviewed Publications
Citations
Reference Letters Independent
Grants
Judging Experience
Original Contributions

Similar Cases

Postdoctoral Researcher

Environmental Services · Taiwan

WeGreened EB-2 (NIW) approved
Missouri 664 days 2025-08-14
The petitioner proposes to continue her research using advanced biotechnologies, including microbial ecology, meta-omics, and bioinformatics, to recover clean water and generate bioenergy from wastewater systems. Her work specifically focuses on enhancing anaerobic digesters to upgrade biogas and improving the efficiency and environmental safety of water treatment processes.

Others

Environmental Services · Iran

WeGreened EB-2 (NIW) approved
596 days 2025-09-06
The petitioner proposes to optimize wastewater treatment systems using microbiological approaches, anaerobic-aerobic methods, and micro-nanobubble technology. This work focuses on improving contaminant removal, reducing energy consumption in treatment facilities, and extending the sustainability of water infrastructure.

Lecturer

Chemicals · Philippines

WeGreened EB-2 (NIW) approved
575 days 2025-08-11
The petitioner proposes to develop novel biomaterials and bioprocessing technologies to make water and wastewater treatment more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. The work focuses on using natural and waste-derived materials, such as seed-based coagulants and agricultural byproducts, to reduce energy consumption and improve environmental outcomes.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Materials Science · Pakistan

WeGreened EB-2 (NIW) approved
370 days 2025-04-16
The petitioner proposes to develop and characterize low-cost, bio-based composite materials and devices for wastewater treatment. This work focuses on creating scalable, sustainable solutions to reduce waterborne contaminants in both industrial settings and underserved communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

A approved EB-2 NIW (I-140) petition means USCIS determined the petitioner met the eligibility requirements. For appealed cases, "sustained" means the appeal reversed a prior denial. The petitioner can proceed to the next step in the immigration process.

Browse More Cases

Case data sourced from publicly available petition decisions and case studies. Decision date: 2023-11-15.

Browse all cases
View Original

At a Glance

Outcome approved
Processing 88 days
Criteria Met 3 / 3
Evidence Types 6

EB-2 (NIW) Case Data

Scraped Case Data

Total Cases 3,895
Success Rate 54.2%
Sustained 2,112
Dismissed 1,687

Get Case Insights

Compare your profile against thousands of real petition outcomes. Join the waitlist for personalized analysis.

Join Waitlist