EB-2 NIWMechanical and aerospace engineeringIndividualDecided August 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG012025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Mechanical engineer researcher self-petitioner sought NIW under EB-2 for thermal battery development research. AAO affirmed first prong met but reversed on second prong, finding PhD degree and citations insufficient to demonstrate she is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.
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 · Thermal battery research had substantial merit and national importance; potential industrial decarbonization impact recognized.
What was missing
- Well positioned · PhD in STEM field insufficient alone; citations and peer interest alone do not demonstrate record of research success or well-positioned status.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Thermal battery research had substantial merit and national importance; potential industrial decarbonization impact recognized. |
 Well positioned | Not met | PhD in STEM field insufficient alone; citations and peer interest alone do not demonstrate record of research success or well-positioned status. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Second prong not met; third prong reserved. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.