EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineIndividualDecided August 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG152025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Doctoral researcher in microbiology and bioinformatics sought NIW for EB-2 classification. AAO found proposed research endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, and petitioner was well-positioned to advance it, but dismissed motion to reconsider because petitioner failed to demonstrate expertise significantly above ordinarily encountered in field.
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 · AAO agreed proposed endeavor in microbiology and bioinformatics research had substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Citation count and research output insufficient to demonstrate expertise significantly above ordinarily encountered in field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | AAO agreed proposed endeavor in microbiology and bioinformatics research had substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Citation count and research output insufficient to demonstrate expertise significantly above ordinarily encountered in field |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed second prong |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.