Mr. Z is an engineer at a major tech company focused on research and development that combines computer graphics with AI. Because his PERM had stalled, he hoped to use an NIW to free himself from employer restrictions. He had no publications, no peer reviews, and no citations.

The traditional NIW pathway built on academic output did not apply to him at all.

We shifted the focus to the real economic benefits his graphics and AI models brought to animation visual effects and game development (they helped an animated film achieve box office success, and a related game won a game of the year award), and used recommendation letters from industry experts to show the originality and irreplaceability of his technology.

Approved with no RFE.