Success Story: NIW Success Story! Kenyan Public Health & Psychiatry Expert Secures Approval with Our Help
Client’s Testimonial:
“Thank you so much for all your incredible support and for the wonderful news!”
On March 6th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Public Health Consultant/ Psychiatrist/ Psychotherapist in the Field of Mental Health (Approval Notice).
General Field: Mental Health
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Public Health Consultant/ Psychiatrist/ Psychotherapist
Country of Origin: Kenya
Country of Residence at the Time of Filing: Kenya
Approval Notice Date: March 6th, 2025
Processing Time: 12 months, 8 days
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a medical doctor from the Middle East whose research is helping advance the field of mental health.
Research with Substantial Merit and National Importance:
The client’s proposed endeavor focuses on developing evidence-based frameworks, strategies, and policies to address mental health challenges more effectively. Her work aims to improve patient outcomes in marginalized and at-risk communities, such as individuals with substance use disorders and migrant populations. The petition presented clear evidence that this work holds both substantial merit, due to its critical impact on public health, and national importance, especially given the growing mental health crisis in the United States.
Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor:
We demonstrated that the client is exceptionally well qualified to advance this endeavor. Holding an M.D. and additional graduate-level training in global health policy, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to her research. Her experience includes numerous roles in psychiatry, mental health program coordination, and research consultancy, including involvement with global health institutions. The client has authored 9 peer-reviewed journal articles (including 1 first-authored), 1 first-authored abstract, 1 first-authored accepted abstract, and 5 technical reports. These publications have been cited 32 times according to Google Scholar.
Further supporting her influence in the field, the client has completed over 35 peer reviews for reputable journals, a clear indication of her recognized expertise. She has also served in editorial leadership capacities, enhancing her standing in the academic and public health communities.
Recognition and Endorsement:
In addition to her publication and review record, the client’s research has been supported by funding from the World Health Organization (WHO), underscoring its global relevance and trustworthiness. Her record includes contributions that have influenced mental health education, policy implementation, and stigma reduction strategies. Her work has been referenced in studies involving interventions for depression, ADHD, and medical education reforms.
The petition was further strengthened by two expert recommendation letters attesting to the originality and significance of her work.
“Thus, [Client’s] record of achievement to date more than evidences the indispensability of her research to the United States.”
NIW Approval and Outlook:
Thanks to her strong professional qualifications and the compelling nature of her contributions, USCIS approved her I-140 NIW petition in 12 months and 8 days without receiving any RFE. We are proud to have helped this outstanding client secure her approval and look forward to her continued impact on the field of mental health. This success highlights the role of the North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) in assisting driven professionals whose work directly benefits public health and national policy.