Success Story: Chinese Postdoc Appointee Achieves NIW Success with No RFE

Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a mechanical engineering researcher from China whose innovative work is transforming how artificial intelligence is applied to physical system modeling. At the time of filing, the client was conducting research at a U.S. national laboratory, focused on enhancing predictive modeling and machine learning techniques for complex scientific challenges.

NAILG identified this individual as a strong candidate for the EB-2 NIW petition based on the national importance of his research, a sustained record of academic excellence, and a clear trajectory for future contributions in materials discovery, autonomous systems, and robotics.

Pioneering Research in Physics-Informed Artificial Intelligence
The client’s proposed endeavor centers on developing advanced predictive models and machine learning methodologies that embed physical laws to improve model accuracy and interpretability. His work directly addresses real-world issues such as improving traffic incident detection, discovering sustainable energy materials, and enabling safer autonomous systems.

These innovations are helping to:

• Accelerate the discovery of materials essential for renewable energy
• Improve the reliability and safety of intelligent transportation systems
• Reduce computational costs in large-scale simulations through surrogate models

The national importance of his research is evidenced by substantial support from U.S. federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

Research Contributions and Impact
To substantiate the petition, NAILG presented the client’s strong academic profile:

• 9 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 peer-reviewed conference articles, and 2 preprints
• A total of 201 citations according to Google Scholar
• Several of his papers ranked among the top 10–20% most-cited in computer science for their publication year

These publications have influenced a wide range of researchers and applications globally, confirming his work as a foundation for future advancements.

Recognition by Independent Experts
The client’s impact has been further validated by letters of recommendation from leading scholars in artificial intelligence and engineering. These independent experts emphasized the originality and influence of his methods, including:

“His innovations firmly position him as a luminary in the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field.”

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor
In preparing the petition, NAILG demonstrated that the client is well-equipped to continue this high-impact work. His role at a U.S. national laboratory, along with his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, underscores both his technical capability and institutional support. We highlighted that his research not only aligns with national scientific priorities but also directly contributes to global challenges such as energy sustainability and infrastructure safety.

Approval and Outcome
This EB-2 NIW petition was approved in March 2025, following a thorough review. USCIS recognized that waiving the labor certification and job offer requirement would benefit the United States due to the applicant’s unique contributions in the field of artificial intelligence.

We are proud to have represented this accomplished researcher and to have secured a successful outcome for his EB-2 NIW petition. NAILG looks forward to his continued innovations in advancing machine learning and its applications for the public good.