EB-2 NIWEducation and academiaIndividualDecided April 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR172025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedMetBalance favors a waiverNot met
Our summary
Research professor proposed STEM research endeavor and sought national interest waiver as self-petitioner. AAO found endeavor has national importance and beneficiary well positioned, but dismissed appeal because urgency of national interest insufficient to justify waiving labor certification requirement.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
What the AAO accepted
- Merit and national importance · NSF funding and implementation by other research teams demonstrates national importance
- Well positioned · Education, skills, and record support ability to advance proposed endeavor
What was missing
- Balance favors a waiver · National interest not sufficiently urgent to waive labor certification despite STEM work value
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | NSF funding and implementation by other research teams demonstrates national importance |
 Well positioned | Met | Education, skills, and record support ability to advance proposed endeavor |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not met | National interest not sufficiently urgent to waive labor certification despite STEM work value |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.