EB-2 NIWData science and analyticsEmployerDecided August 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG312026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Senior data scientist with Ph.D. in mechanical engineering sought EB-2 national interest waiver for healthcare data science innovation work. USCIS and AAO agreed the proposed endeavor, though having substantial merit, lacked requisite national importance under Dhanasar's first prong. Benefits appeared confined to specific employer rather than field broadly. Appeal dismissed.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Merit and national importance · Proposed endeavor lacks national importance; benefits flow primarily to specific employer, not broadly to field or workers
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed endeavor lacks national importance; benefits flow primarily to specific employer, not broadly to field or workers |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; remaining prongs not analyzed as decision dispositive on initial prong |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; remaining prongs not analyzed as decision dispositive on initial prong |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.