Success Story: NIW Approval Achieved for Scientist Developing Optimization Models for Smart Cities

Posted by wegreened on January 30, 2026 in NIW, Operations Research

On September 5^th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for an Applied Scientist in the Field of Operations Research (Approval Notice).

General Field: Operations Research

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Applied Scientist

Country of Origin: China

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Washington

Approval Notice Date: September 5^th, 2025

Processing Time: 1 year, 10 months, 24 days (Premium Processing Upgrade Requested)

Case Summary:

Thanks to NAILG’s careful preparation of the petition, an operations research expert has secured EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for her groundbreaking work on developing optimization models and heuristic algorithms to strengthen urban transportation systems. With a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences and a growing record of publications and peer reviews, she has demonstrated both the skill and commitment to advance solutions that carry clear national importance.

Her research focuses on integrating public transit with ride-hailing services, autonomous vehicles, and micro-mobility platforms to create smarter, more connected urban networks. By optimizing supply chains in construction and transportation alike, her work addresses multiple pressing challenges: enhancing the efficiency of public transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles, curbing emissions, and enabling better land use in crowded cities. These innovations are particularly vital in the aftermath of COVID-19, where rebuilding and strengthening public transportation capacity is critical for urban recovery.

The national value of her contributions has already been recognized through funding from the Department of Defense, underscoring the government’s confidence in the applicability of her research. Beyond transportation, her work has also influenced broader areas of operations research, including healthcare. As one recommender explained, “[Client]’s research has influenced the application of operations research through her identification of novel methods to reduce outpatient hospital wait times. Her innovative approaches have not only improved patient satisfaction but also increased the efficiency of healthcare systems. Thus, given the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system, it is imperative that [Client]’s work benefits such systems in the United States through advanced operations research knowledge.”

Her accomplishments include 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, 3 abstracts, and at least 8 completed reviews for scientific journals. Her publications have already been cited 21 times, showing the growing influence of her work in both transportation and healthcare optimization.

This combination of impactful research, peer recognition, and practical outcomes led to the approval of her EB-2 NIW petition. NAILG presented a strong case, and this success allows her to continue advancing innovations that will modernize U.S. transportation, strengthen healthcare systems, and support sustainable urban development.

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North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With nearly 64,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Tens of Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

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For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our cumulative total of approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to nearly 64,000 in 2025.

Track Record of Success EB-1 and NIW Approvals

(2020.01 - 2024.12)

Category	Approval or Refund^®		Approval or Refiling^TM
Category	Approved Sum	Success Rate	Approved Sum	Success Rate
NIW	28,946	99.52%	3,030	98.31%
EB1A	4,322	91.76%	2,870	88.91%
EB1B	793	98.51%	236	90.77%
Total	34,061	98.44%	6,136	93.39%