EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIEmployerDecided February 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB192026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot met
Our summary
Research and development manager in software engineering from China working on machine learning for insurance industry risk assessment. Met first Dhanasar prong on substantial merit and national importance but failed second prong; citations and education alone insufficient to demonstrate well-positioned status. Appeal dismissed.
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 · Petitioner established machine learning research improving insurance risk assessment has substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Endorsements lacked specifics on model utilization; citation record and education alone insufficient to show positioning
- Balance favors a waiver · Evidence does not demonstrate petitioner offers contributions valuable enough to justify waiving labor certification
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Petitioner established machine learning research improving insurance risk assessment has substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Endorsements lacked specifics on model utilization; citation record and education alone insufficient to show positioning |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not met | Evidence does not demonstrate petitioner offers contributions valuable enough to justify waiving labor certification |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.