Success Stories: Ghanaian Doctoral Researcher Secures NIW Approval for AI-Based Disease Detection Research

Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a doctoral researcher from Ghana. His work combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning to design large language model (LLM)-based systems for early disease detection, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. At the time of filing, he was engaged in doctoral research in the United States and had already established a strong scholarly record of publications, citations, and peer review service that positioned him well for NIW approval.

Research with Substantial Merit and National Importance

The client’s proposed endeavor focuses on developing diagnostic tools powered by large language models (LLMs) that can identify early disease indicators from complex biological and clinical data. These systems provide non-invasive, cost-effective methods of diagnosing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, enabling earlier interventions that improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

This work holds clear national importance. Alzheimer’s disease alone affects millions of Americans, costs the U.S. hundreds of billions annually, and is expected to nearly double in prevalence over the coming decades. By advancing LLM-based diagnostic methods, the client’s research contributes directly to U.S. public health goals, reduces healthcare utilization, and supports national initiatives in critical and emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and digital health.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor

The client holds an advanced degree in biomedical engineering and has authored 4 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 as first author, published in highly regarded journals including PLOS Digital Health, PLOS Computational Biology, Brain Sciences, and Journal of Biomedical Informatics. His work has been cited 62 times by independent researchers worldwide, with one of his first-authored studies ranked among the top 1 percent most cited in engineering for its publication year and two more in the top 10 percent.

In recognition of his expertise, he has been invited to review at least 2 submissions for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Such roles are reserved for established specialists and confirm his standing as a credible contributor in biomedical engineering. These accomplishments demonstrate his readiness to continue advancing impactful research in the United States.

Recognition from Field Experts

Independent recommenders strongly endorsed the client’s originality and impact.

One expert wrote:

“It is evident from [client]’s consistent production of high-quality research using sophisticated computational tools to improve and standardize the diagnosis of AD that he is a foremost member of the biomedical engineering community.”

Such testimonials confirmed his reputation as a forward-looking researcher whose work bridges technology and medicine.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on February 5, 2024, later upgraded to premium processing, and approved on September 11, 2025. USCIS recognized his publication record, citation influence, peer review service, and the national importance of his proposed endeavor as sufficient to meet the NIW standard.

With NAILG’s support, the client secured NIW approval and is now positioned to continue his innovative research in the United States. His ongoing work promises to advance affordable LLM-based diagnostic tools, improve early detection of life-threatening diseases, and strengthen U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation.