Oct
7

By

EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Approved Without RFE — Groundbreaking RNA Virus Researcher Recognized by USCIS

Category: Best NIW attorney, Green card, Green card attorney, Green card attorney in Scottsdale, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, National Interest Waiver, NIW, NIW attorney, NIW for scientists, Phoenix NIW lawyer Tags: , , ,

We’re pleased to share another National Interest Waiver (NIW) success story — approved in just a few weeks and without a Request for Evidence (RFE).
We secured the approval under the EB-2 NIW category for a highly accomplished biomedical researcher based on his advanced degree and exceptional ability in science.

This case highlights how scientists conducting public health or biomedical research can qualify for U.S. permanent residence without employer sponsorship or labor certification when their work serves the national interest of the United States.

 

What Is the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)?

The EB-2 NIW allows professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to self-petition for a U.S. green card if they can show that their work benefits the national interest.
Unlike most employment-based green card categories, no job offer or PERM labor certification is required.

To qualify, the petitioner must meet the three-part test from Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016):

  1. The proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance;
  2. The applicant is well positioned to advance the endeavor; and
  3. On balance, it would benefit the U.S. to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.

 

Case Overview: Scientist Advancing RNA Virus Detection

Our client holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and over five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience in biomedical research — qualifying as the equivalent of a U.S. Master’s degree under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(2).

He is currently a Ph.D. researcher at a U.S. university, where his work focuses on RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 systems. His research aims to revolutionize rapid viral diagnostics, improving early detection of viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and measles — all of which remain critical public-health concerns in the United States.

 

Evidence of Exceptional Ability in Science

To demonstrate exceptional ability, the petition included evidence meeting multiple criteria under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii):

  • Academic Record: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and ongoing Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
  • High Remuneration: Competitive five-year fellowship exceeding $400,000 — far above standard student stipends.
  • Professional Memberships: American Society for Biochemistry, the RNA Society, and the American Society for Microbiology.
  • Recognition and Awards: He has received multiple national and international awards recognizing his innovation in biomedical research, academic excellence, and leadership in the scientific community. These honors reflect his exceptional contributions and recognition by peers in his field.

He has authored or co-authored 11 peer-reviewed publications, earned over 59 citations, and served as a peer reviewer for multiple international journals — clear evidence of national and international recognition.

 

National Importance: Research That Protects U.S. Public Health

Our client’s Ph.D. research focuses on engineering a novel RNA-virus detection platform using heat-tolerant CRISPR-Cas13a proteins.
This work could dramatically reduce testing time and cost, providing rapid, field-deployable diagnostics that are vital for pandemic preparedness and outbreak control.

According to expert letters, his research “addresses an urgent and ongoing public health concern” and “has the potential to revolutionize frontline viral diagnostics in the U.S.”
His findings have already enhanced the RNA-targeting efficiency of Cas13a by over 55-fold, positioning him to help advance the next generation of point-of-care molecular diagnostics.

 

Well Positioned to Advance His Endeavor

Our client has demonstrated the rare combination of deep scientific knowledge and hands-on technical expertise in:

  • Protein structure determination using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM),
  • Protein expression and purification,
  • RNA design and analysis, and
  • CRISPR-based gene-editing systems.

He is currently collaborating with leading U.S. laboratories to integrate his engineered Cas13a protein into electrochemical biosensors and lateral-flow assays — tools that could enable rapid, portable detection of RNA viruses and significantly strengthen the U.S. public health infrastructure.

 

Why the National Interest Waiver Was Granted

Under the Dhanasar framework, USCIS concluded that:

  • His research has substantial merit and clear national importance;
  • He is exceptionally well positioned to continue advancing this field; and
  • On balance, waiving the job-offer and labor-certification requirements benefits the United States because:

The result: NIW approval in record time — no RFE issued.

 

How Long Does an NIW Approval Take?

Processing times vary, but the USCIS average processing time is around 17.5 months. However, with premium processing, USCIS now offers an expedited adjudication within 45 calendar days.

 

Who Qualifies for a National Interest Waiver?

You may qualify for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) if you:

  • Hold an advanced degree or have the equivalent through education and progressive experience;
  • Have exceptional ability in your field; and
  • Meet the three-part test established in Matter of Dhanasar:
    1. Your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance — meaning your work benefits the U.S. in areas such as health, technology, education, or the economy.
    2. You are well positioned to advance the endeavor — supported by your education, record of achievements, and professional experience.
    3. On balance, it would benefit the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements — because your contributions serve the national interest to a substantially greater degree than would be expected through the standard labor market process.

Common fields for NIW eligibility include biomedical research, engineering, data science, healthcare innovation, clean energy, entrepreneurship, and technology.

 

Why Choose Juras Law for Your NIW Case

At Juras Law, we have successfully represented scientists, researchers, engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs in securing EB-2 National Interest Waivers.
Our approach combines strategic case analysis, precise legal drafting, and strong supporting evidence tailored to USCIS adjudication standards.

If you’re a scientist, researcher, architect, entrepreneur or other professional making an impact in your field — you may qualify for an NIW green card even without a U.S. job offer.

Schedule a consultation: https://juraslaw.com/schedule-consultation/
Learn more: https://juraslaw.com/national-interest-waiver/

Apr
8

By

Another NIW Success – Approved for PhD Researcher in Microbiology

Category: National Interest Waiver, NIW, NIW attorney Tags: ,

We are excited to share another National Interest Waiver (NIW) success story—this time for our client, a talented scientist whose I-140 petition was approved without a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Our client is currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, pursuing his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. He previously earned his Master’s degree in Microbiology, where his research made a meaningful impact in the medical and scientific community.

Our client ’s journey is a great example of how a well-prepared NIW petition can open doors to permanent residency in the United States—without needing a job offer or labor certification.

What Made Client ’s Case Successful?

To qualify for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, we had to prove three things:

  1. His work has substantial merit and national importance.
  2. He is well-positioned to advance the proposed work.
  3. It would benefit the U.S. to waive the usual job offer and labor certification requirements.

Client ’s groundbreaking research in microbiology focuses on understanding how human cells repair themselves after being damaged by harmful bacterial toxins—think deadly infections like flesh-eating disease and chronic genetic conditions like muscular dystrophy. His discoveries, including a new cell repair pathway and therapeutic targets, have already contributed to potential treatments in infection control, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

His work was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), presented at prestigious national conferences, and published in peer-reviewed journals. Multiple experts in the field wrote strong letters supporting the importance and urgency of his research.

We put together a compelling NIW petition that highlighted his qualifications, the value of his work to public health, and the national interest in allowing him to continue that research in the U.S.

Result? Approved—no RFE, no delays.

Could You Qualify for a National Interest Waiver?

Client ’s story is inspiring, but he’s not alone. We work with researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, physicians, and other professionals across the U.S. who may be eligible for a National Interest Waiver based on their expertise and contributions.

If you: Hold an advanced degree (like a Master’s or Ph.D.),

  • Are making an impact in your field,
  • Have research, publications, or achievements that benefit the U.S.,

…then you might qualify too—even without a U.S. job offer.

Want to find out if you qualify for an NIW?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/irena-3

Or contact us:

https://juraslaw.com/contact-us

480-425-2009

We’ll review your background and advise you on the best path forward.

Let’s see how we can help turn your hard work into a green card—just like we did for our client.

 

Feb
7

By

Fast NIW Approval for an Engineer

Category: Best NIW attorney, Green card, Green card attorney, Green card for an Engineer, National Interest Waiver, NIW attorney, NIW for an engineer Tags: , ,

Securing a National Interest Waiver (NIW) can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, recent cases show that well-prepared petitions can lead to swift approvals. One notable example involves an electrical engineer specializing in control systems who achieved rapid NIW approval due to his innovative work in automation, renewable energy, and semiconductor technology.

Academic and Professional Background

The engineer’s research focuses on applying advanced control theories and electrical engineering principles to industrial systems, especially in high-impact sectors like semiconductors, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control Engineering. During his master’s program, he published several papers in reputable journals and presented his findings at prestigious conferences.

Contributions to National Interests

Collaborating on a key project with the Department of Energy, he developed technology that enhances the viability and economic competitiveness of renewable energy sources. This innovation reduces U.S. reliance on foreign energy, thereby strengthening national security. Currently, he designs and develops electrical systems, automation frameworks, and control systems for multi-million-dollar semiconductor manufacturing process modules.

Demonstrating National Importance

To support his NIW petition, the engineer provided extensive evidence of the substantial merit and national importance of his work. Letters from leading industry experts and government officials highlighted the critical impact of his contributions and the adoption of his innovations in key projects. The petition successfully established that waiving the standard labor certification requirement was in the best interest of the United States, allowing him to continue his research and development efforts without employer sponsorship.

Swift Approval

What set this case apart was the speed of approval. While NIW cases can sometimes take several months, this petition received a favorable decision in just a few weeks, thanks to compelling evidence and well-structured legal arguments.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that professionals in fields such as electrical engineering, automation, semiconductor technology, and renewable energy—particularly those contributing to national security and energy independence—can successfully obtain a National Interest Waiver. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prioritizes cases where the applicant’s contributions clearly benefit the country, making a well-documented petition essential.

If you are an engineer or researcher working in critical sectors like automation, renewable energy, or semiconductors, this success story demonstrates that an NIW could be a viable pathway for you. Contact us and schedule your consultation at https://calendly.com/irena-3 to explore your options and build a strong case for your immigration journey.