Success Story: NIW Approved Despite RFE! We Assisted a PhD Student From Iran to Secure Approval

Case Summary:     

We are pleased to share the success story of an EB-2 NIW approval granted to a civil engineering expert whose work focuses on developing advanced computational methods for sustainable construction materials. The client, who holds an M.S. in civil engineering, approached NAILG to secure immigration approval for a research endeavor aimed at supporting national climate goals and advancing environmentally conscious engineering. Despite receiving an RFE during the process, NAILG successfully demonstrated the client’s qualifications and the substantial national value of the proposed work, resulting in an approval.

Research Focus and Contributions:

The client’s proposed endeavor involves developing state-of-the-art numerical schemes to study carbon sequestration and brucite carbonation at the molecular level. This research aims to revolutionize the construction industry by enabling the design of carbon-negative concrete and other environmentally friendly materials. By integrating computational modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, the client’s work contributes to mitigating the construction sector’s carbon footprint and supports national and global efforts to combat climate change.

The client has authored 4 peer-reviewed journal articles, including one first-authored publication, and has completed at least 2 peer reviews for respected journals. Their publications have been cited 34 times by researchers around the world, reflecting significant recognition and influence in the field. The petition emphasized that several of the client’s studies rank among the most highly cited in engineering for their publication years, evidencing the originality and technical strength of their findings.

Well Positioned to Advance the Proposed Endeavor:

The client’s strong academic background in civil engineering and specialized expertise in molecular-level material modeling have positioned them to make continued advances in sustainable construction technologies. Their research integrates mechanical simulation, materials science, and environmental engineering to produce tangible results with national implications. The petition highlighted projects demonstrating the client’s analytical depth, including simulations of carbon nanotubes, nickel-based alloy behavior, and molecular surface motion—each contributing foundational insights for cleaner and more efficient material development.

By applying computational mechanics to real-world environmental challenges, the client’s research supports national priorities in climate-smart infrastructure, sustainable manufacturing, and emissions reduction. Their ability to translate molecular-level findings into industrial applications demonstrates both technical mastery and long-term value to the U.S. engineering sector.

Support from Experts in the Field:

The petition was further reinforced by four compelling recommendation letters from established experts in civil and materials engineering. These letters attested to the client’s originality, leadership, and the transformative impact of their research in sustainable materials and carbon capture technologies.

“This is because, as materials become more complicated at the molecular and atomic levels, it becomes harder to conduct experiments on these materials. By developing the use of computational modeling in civil engineering, [Client] is directly advancing the field by opening up new tools and methodologies with which to work.”

NIW Approval and Outlook:

Although the case initially received an RFE, NAILG presented a comprehensive and persuasive response showcasing the client’s scientific merit and the national importance of their research. The I-140 NIW petition was subsequently approved, affirming that the client’s continued work in computational modeling for carbon-neutral construction materials serves vital U.S. environmental and technological interests.

This approval not only recognizes the client’s research excellence but also their potential to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s sustainability and innovation goals. NAILG congratulates the client on this successful outcome and looks forward to their continued advancements in carbon reduction technologies and sustainable civil engineering.