EB-2 NIWChemistry and materialsIndividualDecided April 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR222026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A chemist and postdoctoral researcher sought EB-2 national interest waiver for research on high-performance materials for energy conversion. The AAO found the proposed endeavor met the first Dhanasar prong but the petitioner was not well positioned to advance it due to lack of demonstrated success and institutional support. The appeal was dismissed.
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 · Proposed research on energy conversion and storage materials has prospective impact and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Advanced degree alone insufficient; lacks demonstrated record of success, significant peer interest, government funding, or institutional position comparable to Dhanasar
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Proposed research on energy conversion and storage materials has prospective impact and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Advanced degree alone insufficient; lacks demonstrated record of success, significant peer interest, government funding, or institutional position comparable to Dhanasar |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed second Dhanasar prong; arguments reserved |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.