EB-2 NIW Case Study: Petroleum Geologist From Pakistan Approved in 4 Months Despite RFE

Unlike cases built around a single specialization, this petition needed to show how a wide-ranging career worked toward one unified objective. He has worked in petroleum geology, digital subsurface tools, Carbon Capture and Storage, and offshore wind across several regions and markets. The petition needed to describe how each stage of that path supported one clear long-term objective in clean energy, rather than reading a list of unrelated jobs.  

In short: the story was not just what he had done, but why it mattered, and how a geoscientist trained in traditional energy became an innovator in clean energy modeling.  

As Attorney Picataggio explained, “we look beyond just a job title or a degree. We focus on who the client will help and what they will help them with”. 

Another important element of the petition was demonstrating how the client’s advanced technical work creates practical benefits for the United States. Patents, AI and machine learning workflows, revenue growth, and client expansion had to be presented as concrete benefits for the United States, not just technical achievements. USCIS needed to see real-world impact: how do these innovations reduce project risk, accelerate clean energy deployment, or lower emissions?  

The strategy centered on linking the client’s projects, international experience, and documented impact directly to his proposed endeavor, so a USCIS officer could clearly see how his past work supports his future plans in the United States. 

To respond to these challenges, the legal team began with what the client had already achieved. Patents, technical publications, and conference presentations served as concrete proof of innovation.  

The client’s patents in particular addressed real technical bottlenecks in CCS and offshore wind site evaluation. Mr. Picataggio explained that “a patent shows exactly what you did and how you did it in a way that educates others.” 

Letters from senior managers then connected those achievements to specific results, including growth in new energy revenue and a larger group of offshore wind clients in Europe, which showed how his workflows improved real projects. 

In addition, the petition aligned his record with current U.S. initiatives in clean energy, energy security and economic development. His work in CCS, offshore wind and digital tools was therefore framed within federal goals on emission reduction, clean energy investment and job creation.  

USCIS approved the client’s EB-2 NIW petition after reviewing both the initial filing and the Request for Evidence. The case moved from submission to approval in roughly four months through premium processing.  

The client’s work connects carbon storage, offshore wind development, and digital subsurface tools in a way that shows how real organizations reduce risk and move clean energy projects from concept to construction. Patents, publications, and detailed expert letters all pointed to a professional who improves decision making in areas that matter to national energy goals. 

Attorney Picataggio shaped the filing around this narrative, showing not only what the client has done but who benefits from his work and why it matters. When USCIS requested more information, Attorney Kafrouni and the RFE team strengthened the same storyline through focused evidence and clear explanations that kept the case moving. 

With the approval secured, the client can now prepare to support U.S. companies and public institutions through improved modeling, better project design, and more reliable approaches to CO₂ storage and offshore wind development. His work offers practical tools and insights that help the United States expand clean energy in a safer and more efficient way.