Success Story: NIW Approved for Ethiopian Land Governance Researcher Despite RFE - Powered by Premium Processing
Client’s Testimonial:
“I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent service provided. The responses to my queries were consistently clear and prompt, which ensured smooth communication throughout. The suggestions offered to my case were highly informative and helpful. Overall, the performance of the attorneys was outstanding, and I deeply appreciate the work that has been done. The attorney’s formulation of the RFE response was highly effective. The response was well-structured, legally sound, and provided compelling evidence to address USCIS concerns. Their strategic approach in presenting the evidence played a crucial role in securing the approval. This success reflects both expertise and precision in handling complex immigration matters.”
On March 20th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Researcher in the Field of Land Governance (Approval Notice).
General Field: Land Governance
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Researcher
Country of Origin: Ethiopia
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Colorado
Approval Notice Date: March 20th, 2025
Processing Time: 6 months, 11 days (Premium Processing Requested)
Case Summary:
The North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) is proud to announce the successful approval of an I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition for a distinguished researcher in land governance, following a Request for Evidence (RFE). Filed with direct premium processing, the petition received a favorable decision in March 2025, underscoring the profound national importance of the beneficiary’s work in sustainable land administration.
Our client, holding a Ph.D. degree in Land Policy and Governance, is a leading researcher whose proposed endeavor focuses on developing an integrated land governance framework. The framework encompasses legal, institutional, operational, socio-economic, environmental, and technical components. The framework aimed at ensuring sustainable and equitable land administration and management practices. This vital research directly addresses critical challenges such as the impacts of climate change, land-related disputes, and ensuring equitable resource distribution, contributing to economic development, social stability, and environmental sustainability.
To demonstrate the client’s exceptional qualifications and the national importance of their work, our legal team highlighted several key aspects:
- Significant Publication Record: The client has published 4 peer-reviewed journal articles, 1 peer-reviewed conference proceeding, and 1 abstract, with an additional first-authored journal article currently under review. Their work has been published in influential journals, demonstrating the quality and relevance of their research.
- Profound Research Influence: Until the petition was submitted, their published research works have received 107 citations, indicating that other researchers rely on their methods, findings, and recommendations.
- Active Peer Reviewer: The client has completed at least 9 peer reviews for journals, demonstrating their recognized expertise and contribution to maintaining high standards in the field.
- Recognition: The client has received unsolicited invitations to present their research at various national and international conferences, signifying their reputation as an influential expert in land administration and management.
- Original Scientific Contributions: The petition highlighted the client’s major original contributions, including an evaluation framework for urban cadastral system policy in Ethiopia, analyzing the effects of institutional merger theory, performance evaluation of urban cadastral system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, evaluation of urban land administration processes and institutional arrangements of Ethiopia: based on advocacy coalition theory, the application of an integrated survey approach for urban cadastral systems, and developing integrated land governance frameworks, which directly aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.
Through meticulous documentation and a clear articulation of the client’s contributions, NAILG successfully demonstrated that the client is exceptionally well-positioned to advance their proposed endeavor. This approval ensures that the client can continue to contribute their invaluable expertise to critical advancements in land governance within the United States, ultimately fostering more sustainable and equitable land management practices.