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EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineIndividualDecided February 2026Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

FEB042026_04B5203

Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed

Our summary

Ph.D. student in molecular biology proposes cancer research on environmental, molecular, and genetic disease mechanisms. AAO found proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance but dismissed appeal because petitioner insufficient evidence of prior success or progress to show capacity to advance the proposed 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 · Proposed cancer research has substantial merit and national importance for environmental and genetic disease mechanisms

What was missing

  • Well positioned · Insufficient evidence of record of success or progress in cancer biology research to demonstrate advancement capacity

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
Merit and national importanceMetProposed cancer research has substantial merit and national importance for environmental and genetic disease mechanisms
Well positionedNot metInsufficient evidence of record of success or progress in cancer biology research to demonstrate advancement capacity
Balance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussedNot reached because second prong dispositive of appeal

A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.

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