Author: Thath Kim

  • USCIS Fee Schedule Updates in 2026 and What NIW Filers Should Understand

    USCIS Fee Schedule Updates in 2026 and What NIW Filers Should Understand

    In early 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing two separate fee updates that affect NIW applicants. One applies to regular filing fees, and the other applies specifically to premium processing. Although these changes happen close together in time, they are based on different legal authorities and serve different policy purposes. Understanding the distinction…

  • NIW: Access to Affordable U.S. Universities for Your Child

    NIW: Access to Affordable U.S. Universities for Your Child

    For many professionals considering the National Interest Waiver (NIW) as a pathway to U.S. permanent residency, the decision extends beyond personal career advancement. It encompasses the broader vision of providing their children with unparalleled educational and professional opportunities in the United States—opportunities that are not only highly valued within the country but also increasingly sought…

  • Check Your Papers – You May Be Missing a Strong NIW Detail

    Check Your Papers – You May Be Missing a Strong NIW Detail

    Many researchers assume that the strength of a National Interest Waiver (NIW) case depends mostly on metrics like publication count or citation numbers. These are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes, the most impactful supporting evidence is not in the headline data but rather the fine print of your work, overlooked even…

  • How a Google Scholar Profile Can Support Your EB-2 NIW Petition

    How a Google Scholar Profile Can Support Your EB-2 NIW Petition

    For professionals and researchers aiming to demonstrate their national impact through an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition, a Google Scholar profile is an invaluable tool. Whether you are just beginning your academic career or are a seasoned expert, a well-maintained Google Scholar profile can significantly strengthen your petition by showcasing your contributions and their…

  • O-1 vs. NIW: What Professionals Should Know

    O-1 vs. NIW: What Professionals Should Know

    Two Paths for Highly Skilled Professionals ​ Many highly skilled professionals who are thinking about working or immigrating to the U.S. first learn about the O-1 visa. It is a well-known option for individuals who have demonstrated “extraordinary ability” in their field. But there is another option that is often overlooked: the EB-2 National Interest…

  • Skilled but Not Academic? This Airplane Mechanic NIW Case Proves You Have a Chance

    Skilled but Not Academic? This Airplane Mechanic NIW Case Proves You Have a Chance

    What Most People Get Wrong About the NIW ​ Many people believe that the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is only available to PhD researchers, university professors, or inventors with patents. However, that is not always the case. ​ An Aircraft Maintenance Professional Approved Without an RFE ​ We recently secured a straight approval with…

  • How to Strengthen Your NIW Petition Through Better Communication With Your Immigration Attorney

    How to Strengthen Your NIW Petition Through Better Communication With Your Immigration Attorney

    If you’re pursuing a green card through the National Interest Waiver (NIW), one of the most important things you can do is stay in close, consistent communication with your attorney. NIW cases are fundamentally different from other employment-based petitions, and they depend heavily on your active participation throughout the process. ​ What Makes NIW Different?…

  • Member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association)

    Thath Kim is a current member of AILA – the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the most respected national association of U.S. immigration attorneys. As a 2025 active member, he remains committed to ongoing education and ethical standards in the field of immigration law. ​ AILA membership is a strong indicator of a lawyer’s concentration in…

  • Licensed Attorney in Oregon – Thath Kim

    Thath Kim is a licensed attorney in the State of Oregon, admitted by the Supreme Court of Oregon on May 9, 2022. He is currently in good standing, meaning he is fully authorized to practice law and represent clients in all immigration-related legal matters. ​ Having a licensed U.S. attorney on-site at our office ensures…

  • Fighting for Approval: How We Won an NIW Case After a Tough RFE

    Fighting for Approval: How We Won an NIW Case After a Tough RFE

    Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) on an NIW petition can feel like a major setback, but with the right strategy, it can become an opportunity to strengthen the case and respond to USCIS’s concerns directly. That is exactly what we did in a recent case that led to approval, even under the stricter standards…