EB-2 NIW Approved for Engineer from Colombia in 8 Months, Without RFE 

Our client had significant experience in petroleum engineering, but his limited publication record required a petition that emphasized practical industry impact over academic output. Ms. McVey explains that “writing in plain language about automation and emerging tech for an already specialized field is always a challenge.” The key, she says, was to “strike a balance between demonstrating the client’s specialized skills while keeping it easily digestible to the officer.” 

We also had to convey the importance of modernization within the traditional oil and gas industry. The goal, Ms. McVey says, was to show that his solutions “weren’t just technical improvements, but essential upgrades that can save time, reduce inefficiencies, and help companies remain competitive in a changing energy market.” 

This approach made the petition highly accessible while underscoring the economic and operational importance of the client’s work to U.S. industry priorities. 

Ms. McVey’s team developed a streamlined petition narrative focused on results, evidence of professional recognition, and alignment with U.S. energy goals. The petition clearly identified the problems faced by smaller energy operators, such as inconsistent data tracking, inefficient resource allocation, and difficulty complying with federal regulations like the EPA’s Methane Emission Reduction Rules (MERR) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). By implementing automation and real-time data systems, the client’s tools enable companies to optimize production and enhance regulatory compliance, providing a practical pathway toward more efficient operations. 

“We try to be straightforward about it: this is the problem in the field, here’s why it urgently needs to be addressed, these are the tools and strategies our client will use to help address this problem, and this is why they’re the absolute best professional to advance this work right now.” 

To provide concrete proof of the endeavor’s relevance, the client introduced a “try and buy” model that allowed potential U.S. clients to test his systems without commitment. This method generated multiple Letters of Interest from American companies, which “aren’t required for a petition, but they can really strengthen a case because they show the officer that there is existing interest from U.S. contacts in the value of the petitioner’s idea.” 

The petition also emphasized how the client’s business and technical background uniquely positioned him to implement scalable, data-driven solutions, which is an area of growing national interest given the U.S. focus on modernizing its energy infrastructure. 

On September 18, 2025, the client’s EB-2 NIW petition was approved without an RFE. The decision confirmed that the case was clear, comprehensive, and well supported on first submission. 

Ms. McVey attributes much of the success to the client’s enthusiasm and clear sense of purpose: “The client was really passionate about his field and had a clear vision for what he wanted to achieve in the U.S. We have a lot of clients who are oil and gas industry professionals, so our team is comfortable writing about topics in this field, but I love when clients bring that energy to the case because it makes it easier for us to showcase their skill set and we feel excited about the direction their work can take the field overall.”