Success Story: NIW Victory! We Helped a Vietnamese Materials Scientist Secure Approval
Client’s Testimonial:
“Choosing Chen Immigration Team was the best decision I made for my NIW. They did understand my battery materials research, and communication was fast, organized, and reassuring at every step, including the premium-processing upgrade. My petition was approved on January 23, 2025. I’m grateful for the team’s expertise and professionalism, and I have recommended the Chen Immigration Team to my friends and colleagues.”
On January 23rd, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Material Scientist in the Field of Materials Science (Approval Notice).
General Field: Materials Science
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Material Scientist
Country of Origin: Vietnam
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Washington
Approval Notice Date: January 23rd, 2025
Processing Time: 8 months (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)
Case Summary:
Our firm is proud to share the approval of an I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition for a client with a Ph.D. in energy science and engineering.
As an expert in the field of material sciences, the client’s proposed endeavor focuses on developing novel non-aqueous electrolytes and electrode materials for lithium-metal and sodium-ion batteries. This research is aimed at significantly enhancing the energy efficiency, cycling stability, and safety of electric vehicle (EV) energy storage systems. These efforts directly contribute to advancing the U.S. Department of Energy’s goal of achieving sub-$100/kWh energy storage costs, while also supporting the nation’s transition to carbon-neutral electrification.
The petition emphasized that the client is well-positioned to advance this endeavor through a proven track record of impactful research. The client has authored 16 peer-reviewed journal articles (including 6 first-authored papers), 6 conference abstracts (3 first-authored), 1 accepted first-authored conference abstract, 1 co-authored book chapter, and 3 published patent applications. This strong body of work has garnered 512 citations, demonstrating significant influence and recognition from peers in the field. Additionally, the client has contributed to the advancement of material sciences by conducting at least 23 peer reviews for leading journals.
We also highlighted evidence of the client’s major funding support from several prestigious organizations, including the U.S. Department of Energy (Vehicle Technologies Office and Advanced Manufacturing Office), the Global Frontier Center for Multiscale Energy Systems, the National Research Foundation of Korea, Hyundai Motor Company, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Toyota Research Institute. Such funding underscores the national and international recognition of the importance of the client’s work.
To strengthen the petition, we submitted two expert recommendation letters from distinguished professionals in the field, each affirming the originality, rigor, and national significance of the client’s contributions.
“Given the ongoing demand for cost-effective, advanced materials and synthesis methods for batteries and electrocatalysts that are essential for enhancing battery and fuel cell performance, reliability, and eco-friendliness, there is a need for further advances. As [Client] has produced highly valuable research in this regard, there is an ongoing demand for his particular expertise.”
By carefully demonstrating the substantial merit, national importance, and the client’s ability to advance the proposed endeavor, the petition satisfied the Dhanasar framework. USCIS approved the NIW petition after the client upgraded to premium processing, allowing this accomplished researcher to continue developing next-generation battery technologies that will accelerate U.S. leadership in clean energy and electrified transportation.
We are honored to have supported this case and extend our best wishes for the client’s continued success.