Success Stories: Marine Ecology Postdoctoral Researcher from Iran Secures NIW Approval without RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
“Thank you again for your professionalism and dedication. I look forward to continuing this journey with your support.”
On September 22th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Postdoctoral Research Grant in the Field of Marine Ecology (Approval Notice).
General Field: Marine Ecology
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Postdoctoral Research Grant
Country of Origin: Iran
Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Italy
Approval Notice Date: September 22th, 2025
Processing Time: 20 months, 5 days
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW approval for a postdoctoral researcher from Iran specializing in marine ecology. The client holds a Ph.D. in environmental life sciences and, at the time of filing, was conducting grant-supported research focused on ecological quality assessment and biodiversity conservation in marine ecosystems. His petition was approved on September 22nd, 2025, without RFE.
Research Focus and Contributions
The client’s proposed endeavor centers on studying the impacts of anthropogenic and natural stressors on soft-bottom macrofaunal communities to inform the conservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems. His research employs functional diversity analyses, biological trait assessments, and biotic indices to evaluate ecological health.
Highlighted contributions include:
- Investigating the ecological consequences of sewage discharge and organic matter inputs on coastal macrofaunal communities.
- Developing advanced methods for categorizing ecological quality in lagoon and coastal environments, integrating environmental factors like salinity and temperature for more accurate assessments.
- Demonstrating how marine protected areas and conservation strategies enhance ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.
Research Impact and Metrics
The petition documented a strong academic record, including:
- 8 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 conference abstracts, 1 book, and 1 technical report, published in leading journals in marine and environmental sciences.
- 20 citations, with at least 2 papers ranked in the top 1% and top 10% most cited
- 4 completed peer reviews for authoritative journals
Expert Recognition
The client received two recommendations. One recommender noted:
“It is clear then, that [The Client] is well-positioned to continue his research into this field and remains a valuable asset to the field of marine ecology.”
National Importance and Positioning
The petition demonstrated that his work holds clear national importance for the United States. Marine ecosystems sustain fisheries, coastal communities, and the broader economy, contributing $253 billion in sales and 1.7 million jobs annually. By clarifying how stressors affect macrofaunal communities, his research provides actionable insights for improving conservation strategies, protecting food security, and sustaining US marine biodiversity. His interdisciplinary training, publication record, and recognition by peers position him to continue advancing marine ecology research of national significance.
NIW Approval and Outlook
The approval of this NIW petition affirms the originality and importance of the client’s contributions in marine ecology. NAILG is honored to have successfully represented him in this process and looks forward to his continued impact in advancing sustainable marine ecosystem management in the United States.