EB-2 NIW Case Study:  How a Colombian Cloud Computing Engineer Overcame an RFE to Secure Approval 

Even though the client had a strong record in cloud architecture, USCIS issued an RFE that challenged all three EB-2 NIW prongs: the national importance of his work, his ability to advance his proposed endeavor, and whether a waiver of the job offer requirement would benefit the United States.

USCIS needed a clearer explanation of why his cloud modernization work matters to the United States and how it impacts the economy, innovation, and digital security, not just the companies he worked with.

The main challenge was translating his highly technical contributions into terms that immigration officers, who may not have a technology background, could easily understand. The response needed to connect his work to national priorities like digital modernization and economic competitiveness.

“The RFE pushed us to simplify the message without losing its substance,” said Attorney Kristal Sanchez. “We focused on real outcomes, showing how his work helps U.S. SMEs grow and operate securely, to show why it serves the national interest.”

The legal strategy centered on clarity and collaboration. The initial filing team and RFE team worked together seamlessly, aligning arguments and refining the narrative so USCIS could clearly understand the client’s impact. The attorneys also worked closely with the client to turn complex technical examples into plain, outcome-focused explanations that demonstrated real value to U.S. industry.

“Collaboration between teams, and with the client, allowed us to keep the message strong and consistent throughout the case,” explained attorney Kristal Sanchez.

The response highlighted three core areas of impact. First, it showed how he drives technological growth through cloud modernization projects that improve system reliability and performance for growing businesses. Second, it demonstrated leadership and collaboration, supported by strong recommendation letters that described how he mentors engineering teams and promotes innovation in cloud adoption. Finally, the strategy emphasized economic relevance, showing how his contributions help small and mid-sized businesses reduce infrastructure costs, strengthen digital security, and remain competitive in a global market.

“We emphasized his impact on SMEs because that connection to U.S. economic growth matters,” added Attorney Sanchez. “He isn’t just working in cloud computing; he’s helping American businesses modernize and scale.”

By aligning the evidence with these themes, the attorneys presented a filing that was persuasive, cohesive, and easy for the officer to follow, without unnecessary technical jargon.

The petition was approved after a well-structured response to the RFE. USCIS acknowledged the national relevance of the client’s work and his ability to continue advancing cloud modernization in the United States. The approval confirmed that his contributions support U.S. economic development and technological resilience, meeting the criteria of the EB-2 National Interest Waiver.

“There’s a deep reward in seeing the officer recognize a client’s value,” said Attorney Kristal Sanchez. “We showed his experience and contributions honestly, and USCIS agreed. It changes not just his career, but his life, and being part of that journey is meaningful.”