Success Story: NIW Success Without RFE! Indian Structural Engineer Approved
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On February 26th, 2025, we received another EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a Structural Engineer in the Field of Civil Engineering (Approval Notice).
General Field: Civil Engineering
Position at the Time of Case Filing: Structural Engineer
Country of Origin: India
State of Residence at the Time of Filing: California
Approval Notice Date: February 26th, 2025
Processing Time: 15 months, 13 days
Case Summary:
We are pleased to share the successful approval of an I-140 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition for a civil engineering expert whose research is transforming how communities prepare for and mitigate wind-related structural damage.
Engineering Resilience Against Wind Hazards
The petitioner’s proposed endeavor focuses on the development of risk-informed surrogate models to assess structural damage caused by windborne debris. By leveraging advanced computational methods and data-driven modeling, his research enables more accurate predictions of damage under varying wind conditions. These models not only improve current wind field assessment techniques but also support safer and more cost-effective building designs in disaster-prone areas.
Scholarly Excellence and Technical Contributions
The strength of the petition was demonstrated through a robust body of scholarly work and professional service, including:
- 18 peer-reviewed journal articles (13 first-authored);
- 5 peer-reviewed conference papers (all first-authored);
- 1 technical report and 1 first-authored book chapter;
- 465 citations according to Google Scholar;
- At least 27 completed peer reviews for journals in civil and structural engineering.
His work has been cited in a wide range of studies on wind engineering, structural vulnerability, and disaster risk modeling, reflecting both his technical influence and the practical utility of his findings.
National Funding and Institutional Recognition
The petitioner’s research has received support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), demonstrating institutional recognition of its scientific value and alignment with federal priorities in infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness. This funding played an important role in validating the significance and potential impact of his work on U.S. public safety and engineering standards.
Endorsements from Leading Experts
Two expert letters of recommendation were submitted in support of the petition, each reinforcing the petitioner’s role in advancing wind engineering and structural modeling. These letters detailed the originality of his research, his critical contributions to surrogate modeling, and the societal relevance of his proposed endeavor.
“Considering the merit of his research in conjunction with his publication in selective journals and the recognition of his work across the field, [Client] has clearly established himself as a valuable leader and irreplaceable asset in civil engineering and adjacent sectors.”
The testimonials underscored that the petitioner’s continued research is vital to protecting buildings and communities from the growing threat of windborne hazards.
NIW Approval and Outlook
The NIW approval within just over 15 months of filing affirms that the petitioner meets the criteria for a waiver of the labor certification and job offer requirements based on the national importance of his work. By clearly presenting his publication record, funding history, and impact through citations and peer reviews, we successfully demonstrated his qualification under the NIW framework.
NAILG is proud to have partnered with this accomplished researcher and looks forward to the lasting impact of his contributions to engineering safety, disaster mitigation, and infrastructure innovation in the United States.