A postdoctoral medical researcher with Ph.D. sought EB-2 national interest waiver for machine learning research on disease diagnosis and treatment. The AAO dismissed, holding that despite meeting the first prong, she failed the second prong: no secured funding, primarily collaborative research background, and insufficient evidence of independent success or detailed plan for future activities.

Educational technology researcher claimed NIW for health literacy research advancing competency-based learning. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks demonstrated national importance despite university adoption at one institution, and applicant failed to show recent productivity or sustained research continuation warranting waiver.

Microbiologist self-petitioner sought NIW under EB-2. AAO found first prong met and withdrew SCOPS adverse finding, but dismissed on second prong, holding PhD and citation numbers alone insufficient to show she is well-positioned to advance the proposed microbiological research endeavor.

A postdoctoral researcher in metabolic diseases sought an EB-2 national interest waiver. She satisfied the first prong (substantial merit and national importance) but failed the second: she lacked a clear plan, institutional commitment, or funding evidence to demonstrate she was well-positioned to advance her work, so the appeal was dismissed.