Case Summary:

An expert in the field of semiconductors and microelectronics, with a proposed endeavor to work on fabricating novel III-V semiconductors and studying their optical, structural, and electrical properties came to NAILG for his EB2-National Interest Waiver application. His work aimed to improve the performance of electronic devices like solar cells, LEDs, and lasers. So it was clear from the start that his research was of great importance because it directly addressed the need for advances in solar energy technology in order to battle climate change. This is why other researchers also found his work valuable and said so in their letters of recommendation. For example, two quotes from these letters are as below:

“Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant energy source available and contains the ability to power almost all indoor space and water heating needs on Earth. Unfortunately, high semiconductor material costs and structural inefficiencies are slowing the global uptake of solar technology. [The client] has contributed enormously to this regard. He has uncovered unique experimental methods to solve efficiency loss mechanisms in new solar technology… ln sum, [the client’s] work is pertinent to reducing global reliance on fossil fuels by enhancing sustainable solar cell semiconductor technology production.”

“[client’s] research is essential to the nation at large. [The client] is a skilled innovator in the area of semiconducting materials that finds its application in modern light-emitting diode (LED) technology…[The client’s] work continues to address performance issues in semiconductor-based lighting technology, aligning with current scientific, environmental, and economic goals in the United States.”

Along with this, our team made a note of other factors that helped him win the approval of the USCIS. Some of them are:

• His proposed endeavor also has broad implications for the United States. In particular, after rejoining the Paris Agreement in 2021, the United States has a long way to go toward reducing emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2030—as well as the future goal of total net zero emissions by 2050.
• Due to this clear national importance, his research has found support with funding from multiple offices of the United States Department of Energy (US DOE), such as the Office of Basic Energy Sciences and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
• His research has resulted in 7 peer-reviewed journal articles and 3 peer-reviewed conference articles and his publications have been cited a total of 34 times according to Google Scholar, thereby demonstrating that these publications are widely recognized and relied upon in the field of semiconductors and microelectronics.
• Furthermore, his study has received funding from the Estonian Science Foundation (ETAG), the US DOE Office of Science, the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, and the US DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Thus, his 8 years of service paid off and won him the approval of the adjudication bench in just 9 days. This was made possible by the premium processing upgrade and our team’s diligent work on his case preparation.