approved EB-2 (NIW)

Research Fellow

Exercise Physiology · South Korea · 2026-02-03

Processing Time
118 days
Decision Date
2026-02-03
Location
Minnesota
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 research in exercise physiology at the intersection of molecular biology and translational clinical research to counteract age-related dysfunction. The work focuses on developing mechanism-driven strategies and interventions to preserve cardiovascular and musculoskeletal function in older adults. This research aims to link molecular pathways to intervention design, enabling clearer biological targets for exercise and lifestyle strategies.

Framework Evaluation

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

The work addresses the critical need for interventions to slow age-related cardiovascular and musculoskeletal decline in the aging population.

2 Well-positioned to Advance the Endeavor Met

The petitioner is well-positioned due to a Ph.D. in Kinesiology, over 1,000 citations, and a history of USDA-funded research.

3 Waiver of Job Offer and Labor Certification Met

On balance, the petitioner's unique ability to translate molecular mechanisms into clinical interventions makes their presence beneficial to the U.S. regardless of a specific job offer.

Why This Petition Was Approved

The petition was approved based on the client's Ph.D. in Kinesiology and a strong record of 22 peer-reviewed articles, 20 conference abstracts, and 3 book chapters. The work earned 1,062 citations and included 35 peer reviews, demonstrating significant influence and peer trust. Furthermore, the research was supported by competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), satisfying the Dhanasar prongs.

Evidence

Evidence Types
Peer Reviewed Publications
Citations
Conference Presentations
Judging Experience
Grants
Government Alignment
Original Contributions

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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.

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Case data sourced from publicly available petition decisions and case studies. Decision date: 2026-02-03.

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At a Glance

Outcome approved
Processing 118 days
Criteria Met 3 / 3
Evidence Types 7

EB-2 (NIW) Case Data

Scraped Case Data

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

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