EB-2 NIWChemistry and materialsIndividualDecided August 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG182021_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A postdoctoral fellow in chemical engineering sought EB-2 NIW based on proposed fuel research. The AAO found the endeavor had merit and national importance but dismissed because the petitioner lacked sufficient evidence of being well positioned to advance it, particularly given limited citation impact and no demonstrated primary funding responsibility.
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 found proposed research in fuel design met this prong; AAO did not disturb
What was missing
- Well positioned · Insufficient evidence of ability to advance endeavor; limited publications, low citations, no major funding responsibility
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Director found proposed research in fuel design met this prong; AAO did not disturb |
 Well positioned | Not met | Insufficient evidence of ability to advance endeavor; limited publications, low citations, no major funding responsibility |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed on second element |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.