EB-2 NIWMechanical and aerospace engineeringIndividualDecided August 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG162021_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An aerospace engineer sought national interest waiver. AAO found the proposed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, but the petitioner failed the second prong because his research lacked demonstrated field impact, his role in funding was unclear, and his work showed no record of progress in advancing space research.
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 · Director concluded first prong satisfied
What was missing
- Well positioned · Work lacked demonstrated impact in field; role in obtaining funding unclear; citation record not sufficient; education alone insufficient without track record
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Director concluded first prong satisfied |
 Well positioned | Not met | Work lacked demonstrated impact in field; role in obtaining funding unclear; citation record not sufficient; education alone insufficient without track record |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Second prong failed; third prong analysis unnecessary |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.