EB-2 NIWEducation and academiaIndividualDecided 2018Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG082018_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An education researcher and assistant professor sought national interest waiver. The AAO found her research on remedial education had substantial merit and national importance, satisfying prong one. However, she failed prong two: her publications had minimal citations, no evidence of broader field impact, and no record of success in advancing the research, so no waiver was warranted.
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 · Research on educational success of remedial students found to have substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Low citation counts, limited independent impact, no evidence of broad field implementation or substantial academic interest
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Research on educational success of remedial students found to have substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Low citation counts, limited independent impact, no evidence of broad field implementation or substantial academic interest |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; third prong analysis would serve no meaningful purpose |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.