Success Stories: NAILG Successfully Secured NIW Approval for Environmental Engineering PhD Candidate After RFE
Client’s Testimonial:
“Thanks for your help on the process!”
On April 8th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a PhD Candidate in the Field of Environmental Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Environmental Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: PhD Candidate
Country of Origin: China
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Missouri
Approval Notice Date: April 8th, 2025
Processing Time: 7 months, 14 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
Our client, a distinguished researcher in environmental engineering, is dedicated to developing efficient and cost-effective wastewater treatment and soil remediation strategies. Her proposed endeavor aims to advance sustainable waste management, nutrient recovery, and support environmental protection efforts through the application of innovative approaches in contaminant removal and remediation technologies.
Her research, particularly focused on addressing emerging environmental contaminants, has led to novel methods for improving the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes and soil decontamination. These developments are critical to sustainable environmental management, making her work of substantial merit and national importance, especially in the face of increasing environmental challenges and the need for more efficient waste recovery systems.
Her academic contributions highlight her leadership and impact in the field:
- 9 peer-reviewed journal articles, including 3 first-authored
- 248 citations of her published work, underscoring the broad influence of her research
- At least 4 peer reviews completed, demonstrating her recognition as an authority in the field of environmental engineering
- Funding from the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
In preparation for her NIW petition, NAILG worked closely with our client to ensure that her innovative research and its national relevance were presented effectively. Throughout the process, we strategically framed her contributions to environmental protection, wastewater treatment, and soil remediation as key factors in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in sustainability and environmental health.
During the petition process, we received a Request for Evidence (RFE). NAILG’s expertise was pivotal in responding to this request, as we thoroughly addressed the concerns raised and provided additional documentation to reinforce the significance of her research. Our careful and strategic response helped us overcome the RFE, ultimately leading to the successful approval of her NIW petition.
An expert in the field commented on her impact:
“As demonstrated, [client] has advanced the field of environmental engineering through her capacity to develop novel approaches for the removal of PFAS from soil and water systems. [client]’s prowess in contaminant remediation, along with her peer review services for leading journals, situate her as a leader in the field and establish her inherent value to the United States.”
With NAILG’s support, our client has been able to continue advancing her work on sustainable environmental practices, contaminant removal technologies, and soil and water remediation, playing a critical role in addressing global environmental challenges. The successful NIW approval will allow her to further contribute to U.S. efforts in environmental protection and sustainability.