EB-2 NIWArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided February 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB102026_03B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Sustainable design consultant with experience in architecture and urban planning seeks to transform U.S. urban housing through sustainable, recycled materials like shipping containers. Claimed endeavor has national importance. AAO dismissed appeal, finding endeavor lacks demonstrated national importance and broader field implications required by Dhanasar.
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 · Sustainable urban housing design using recycled materials lacks evidence of broader field implications or prospective impact beyond specific projects; importance of field insufficient
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Sustainable urban housing design using recycled materials lacks evidence of broader field implications or prospective impact beyond specific projects; importance of field insufficient |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failure is dispositive; second prong not reached |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failure is dispositive; third prong not reached |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.