Success Stories: Fortifying the Future: AI Researcher from Pakistan Secures EB-2 NIW Approval for Cybersecurity Innovation

Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a Ph.D. student from Pakistan whose research is helping advance artificial intelligence applications in national infrastructure security. At the time of filing, the client was pursuing doctoral-level research in AI with a focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure through machine learning innovations.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor & Research of National Importance:
 The client’s proposed endeavor centers on developing artificial intelligence-driven cybersecurity systems that can protect the United States’ critical infrastructure—including industrial control systems and smart grid networks—from evolving cyber threats. Given the growing importance of cybersecurity in the energy, military, and public utility sectors, his research was deemed to hold both substantial merit and national significance.

NAILG worked to highlight the client’s strong foundation in power systems and AI integration, his focus on explainable machine learning architectures, and his targeted solutions for network intrusion detection and fault monitoring. We demonstrated to USCIS that his ongoing work addressed core national concerns, including operational resilience and energy security.

Proven Research Impact and Recognition:
 By the time of filing, the client had published 2 journal articles, 6 conference articles, and 4 preprints, with more than 82 citations of his work by peers across cybersecurity, AI, and engineering communities. Notably, four of his papers ranked in the top 10–20% most cited articles in computer science for their publication year, underscoring the resonance of his findings with scholars and practitioners in the field.

His work was frequently cited in research on 5G cyberthreat detection, explainable AI in cybersecurity, and interpretable machine learning in smart grid diagnostics. He also reviewed submissions for top-tier venues, further evidencing his expertise.

His impactful research has been supported by funding from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the U.S. Military Academy, both institutions that prioritize national security-driven innovation. His projects explored novel intrusion detection frameworks, advanced ML-based defense strategies, and non-intrusive fault detection systems—all tailored for high-risk domains.

Expert Endorsement:
 One independent recommender, a U.S.-based AI professor, wrote:

“[Client’s] research improves the resilience and efficiency of essential services such as power grids, which is crucial for national security, resource management, and the integration of renewable energy systems across the United States. Moreover, his state-of-the-art intrusion detection and prevention methods align with the United States’ interests.”

How We Built a Successful Case:
In our petition, NAILG structured the narrative to show not only the technical strength of the client’s research but also its real-world application. We emphasized the growing cost of cyberattacks on U.S. institutions and highlighted how the client’s contributions directly mitigate these risks. Using citation analytics, field-specific publication norms, and strategic project descriptions, we demonstrated that he is well-positioned to continue impactful work that serves the United States.

The approval of this EB-2 NIW petition in just ten months underscores the strength of both the client’s qualifications and the legal strategy implemented by our team.

We at NAILG are honored to support outstanding researchers like this client in bringing their talents to the U.S., where their innovations contribute meaningfully to national progress and security.