Success Stories: Microscopy Expert from Colombia Earns NIW Approval without RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
“I’m truly grateful to the NAILG team for their exceptional guidance and constant support throughout my NIW process. They took the time to understand the depth and impact of my work in microscopy and helped me present it in a clear and compelling way. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and kindness made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. Thanks to their expertise, what once felt complex became an achievable and rewarding journey. ”
On August 21st, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Staff Associate III in the Field of Microscopy (Approval Notice).
General Field: Microscopy
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Staff Associate III
Country of Origin: Colombia
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: New Jersey
Approval Notice Date: August 21st, 2025
Processing Time: 5 months and 27 days
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW approval for a staff associate III from Colombia working in the field of microscopy. The client holds advanced degrees in microbiology and microscopy, and at the time of filing was managing a cellular imaging platform while contributing to pioneering projects in biomedical and environmental sciences. His petition, filed on February 26, 2025, was approved on August 21, 2025, affirming the substantial merit and national importance of his research.
Research Focus and Contributions
The client’s proposed endeavor centers on advancing state-of-the-art microscopy and imaging techniques to support research in neuroscience, cardiology, oncology, and microbiology. His expertise enables scientists to visualize cellular and subcellular processes with precision, helping uncover mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, microbial interactions, and cancer biology.
Highlighted contributions include:
- Microscopy-based characterization of microorganisms, advancing taxonomy and pathogen identification.
- Imaging techniques to study microbial-metal interactions, contributing to environmentally friendly biomining applications.
- Live imaging of cancer cells in model organisms, yielding insights into disease progression and treatment outcomes.
Research Impact and Metrics
The petition emphasized the measurable influence of his scholarship:
- 6 peer-reviewed journal articles and 2 abstracts published in well-regarded journals.
- 136 citations, including two papers that rank among the top 20% most cited in Biology & Biochemistry for their years of publication.
Expert Recognition
The client received four recommendation letters. One of the experts states that:
“ Taken together, [The Client]’s contributions exemplify the importance of his work in advancing scientific research and microscopy applications in the United States.”
National Importance and Positioning
The petition demonstrated that his work has direct relevance for the United States by supporting innovation in neuroscience, cardiology, oncology, and pathogen research. His imaging methods address urgent public health and economic challenges, from reducing the burden of neurodegenerative diseases to improving food security and environmental sustainability. His advanced training and long record of applied microscopy research position him uniquely to continue driving innovations of clear national importance.
NIW Approval and Outlook
This approval affirms the client’s demonstrated achievements in microscopy and his potential for continued contributions to biomedical and environmental sciences. NAILG is honored to have guided him through the NIW process and looks forward to his ongoing impact in advancing imaging technologies that shape research and treatment across critical scientific domains.