Success Stories: Chinese Research Associate II Secures NIW Approval for HIV Research Advancing Cure Development

Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval granted to a research associate II from China. The client’s research is focused on understanding how HIV establishes viral reservoirs that allow it to persist despite treatment. By applying advanced single-molecule and live-cell imaging techniques, she seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms that sustain viral transcription and to identify strategies that could lead to a functional cure. At the time of filing, she was working in the United States, bringing forward a strong record of scientific output, peer recognition, and demonstrated impact in her field.

Impact on National Priorities

The client’s work addresses one of the most persistent public health challenges of our time. HIV continues to affect more than a million people in the United States, with no definitive cure available. Her research delves into how HIV survives in latent reservoirs within human T cells, knowledge that is essential for developing treatments capable of eradicating the virus. Beyond its scientific value, this research is nationally important because it supports U.S. efforts to reduce healthcare costs, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen initiatives dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic.

Scholarly Record of Excellence

The client holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and chemical biology – biophysical chemistry and has already established a noteworthy body of research. She has authored 6 peer-reviewed journal articles and 6 abstracts, including multiple first- and co-first-authored works. Her publications have appeared in leading venues such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Scientific Reports, ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, and Cell Reports Physical Science. Her studies have been cited 57 times by independent researchers, with at least two papers ranked among the top 10 percent of most cited works in biology and biochemistry for their publication years.

Together, her record of publications and citations demonstrates that she is well-positioned to make further advances in HIV research.

Recognition from Experts

Independent recommenders emphasized both the depth and breadth of the client’s contributions. While her recent research focuses on uncovering the mechanisms of HIV persistence, experts also highlighted the broader value of her earlier studies.

One expert remarked:

“Apart from elucidating the intricacies of bacterial biology, [client]’s work also plays key roles in devising innovative infection treatment strategies and improving resource efficiency in key industries across the country.”

This testimonial, along with others, underscored the novelty and practical importance of her contributions across multiple areas of biophysical chemistry.

NIW Approval and Outlook

The I-140 NIW petition was filed on July 23, 2025, with premium processing, and approved on August 20, 2025. USCIS determined that the client’s academic achievements, growing citation record, peer review service, and nationally significant research satisfied the NIW framework.

With NAILG’s guidance, the client secured NIW approval and can continue her vital work in the United States. Her ongoing investigations into HIV reservoirs and transcriptional regulation promise to advance the search for curative therapies and contribute to U.S. leadership in biomedical science.