Success Story: NIW Approval Was Granted Without an RFE for a Research Assistant (Ph.D. student) Following Our Strategic Assistance

Case Summary:  

We are pleased to share another successful outcome achieved through our firm’s extensive experience and proven NIW strategy. Our team recently secured a National Interest Waiver (NIW) approval for a highly accomplished quantum science researcher who holds an M.S. in Quantum Science and Engineering and specializes in large-scale quantum networking infrastructure. The petition was filed with premium processing and approved after NAILG presented a clear, evidence-based case establishing national importance and the client’s strong capacity to advance this critical field.

Research with Substantial Merit and National Importance

In preparing the case, NAILG highlighted that the client’s proposed endeavor focuses on designing and evaluating robust, state-of-the-art downstreaming layers for large-scale quantum networks. These layers form the operational foundation required for reliable distributed quantum applications. By developing scalable network architectures and protocols that support stable entanglement distribution and resilient quantum communication, the client’s work helps accelerate the United States’ transition toward a functional quantum internet.

The petition emphasized that quantum networks are now widely recognized as essential to U.S. technological leadership, secure communications, economic competitiveness, and national defense readiness. The client’s research directly advances these priorities by enabling secure, robust quantum channels and more practical network-level systems that overcome current limits in long-distance quantum transmission. This alignment with national quantum initiatives and critical emerging technology goals supported our showing that the endeavor has substantial merit and clear national importance.

Academic Excellence and Demonstrated Influence

To establish the client’s qualifications and the real-world value of the proposed work, NAILG documented a strong and growing research record, including:

• 3 first-authored peer-reviewed journal articles
• 2 peer-reviewed conference papers (including 1 first-authored)
• 1 first-authored conference abstract
• 1 patent application
• 48 citations, reflecting meaningful uptake of the client’s contributions within the global quantum science community
• At least 10 peer reviews, confirming recognition as an expert evaluator in the field

NIW Approval and Outlook

Thanks to a strategic approach that fully aligned the evidence with the Dhanasar NIW framework, USCIS approved this petition in recognition of the client’s nationally important endeavor and demonstrated ability to advance it. This approval underscores the United States’ growing commitment to quantum networking and confirms that the client’s work in scalable quantum infrastructure will deliver lasting benefits for secure communications, emerging computing systems, and national technological competitiveness.

NAILG is proud to have represented this exceptional quantum science researcher and looks forward to the continued impact the client will make in building the foundations of distributed quantum technology in the United States.