EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIIndividualDecided February 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB052026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A Ph.D. student in informatics sought NIW for EB-2 classification with advanced degree. The AAO dismissed appeal after finding the proposed AI research endeavor lacks national importance. Field importance and STEM or critical emerging technology status alone do not establish specific endeavor's national importance.
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 AI research lacks sufficiently direct connection to broad impacts; assertions unsupported by corroborating evidence
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed AI research lacks sufficiently direct connection to broad impacts; assertions unsupported by corroborating evidence |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached; first prong failure dispositive |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached; first prong failure dispositive |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.