Case Summary:

An expert in the field of mechatronics coming from Vietnam wanted to file his NIW (National Interest Waiver) petition with our help. He was a well-known researcher working as a robotics engineer in the field at the time of filing. And his proposed endeavor was to work on his research on advanced optimization algorithms, simulation and modeling of human movement, and control approaches to walking. He wanted to develop state-of-the-art predictive simulations of human walking and improve interactions between humans and assistive robotic devices for people with limited mobility. This made his choice of work extraordinary and of national significance too. His work on predictive simulations of human walking and assistive robotic devices was specifically important because of its utility in the industry of robotic assistive devices and prostheses. It was due to this that he also received very favorable reviews from other experts in form of recommendation letters written for him. A couple of passages from these letters are used below to show how his work has been received in the area:

“[The client’s] study of implementing actuator dynamics into predictive simulations addresses this issue. His work demonstrates the efficiency of using detailed actuator models to create more accurate simulations. Moreover, his findings have direct implications for the decision-making processes in the actual construction of assistive devices. To provide Americans who have difficulty walking with sustainable and usable alternatives, the United States must support and utilize the work of [the client].”

“[The client’s] findings indicate that assistive technology effectively mitigates the burdens of ankle instability. Overall, his work is crucial to increasing mobility in the global population and providing relief for amputees. His focus on addressing the pitfalls in predictive simulations, and in the design of prosthetic devices, makes his work integral to the field of mechatronics.”

“His approach provides insight into the individual factors that inform human movement, which allows us to create more effective and usable assistive devices. Moreover, the application of his approach to simulating the gait of amputees speeds up the design of prosthetics. In sum, [the client’s] research paves the way for the more accurate and precise predictive simulations that are vital to the design of assistive devices, and this work is in the interest of humanity and must be sustained.”

As is evident from the above examples, the client’s work was indeed valuable for multiple reasons. Moreover, his current work with legged robots is applicable to ensuring United States national security and the well-being of U.S. veterans. We also found that due to the clear national importance of his work it has in fact been supported with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the National Institute on Disabilities, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Finally, his contributions were not limited to the laboratory but extended beyond resulting in 2 peer-reviewed conference papers (1 of them first-authored) and 2 first-authored peer-reviewed journal articles. These papers have also benefited other researchers which was evident by the fact that his work had been cited at least 30 times already. His worth in the field was also proved by his review service for at least one scientific journal in his area of expertise.

Along with these factors, the 4 letters of recommendation helped immensely in providing evidence of his valuable contributions to the field winning him the approval and hence the job offer/labor certification waiver from the adjudicating bench at the USCIS. We are grateful to him for choosing our firm to represent him.