EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIEmployerDecided February 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB262026_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A computer scientist with master's degree sought an EB-2 national interest waiver for research in network architecture for data centers. The AAO dismissed, finding the petitioner established substantial merit but failed to prove national importance of the specific proposed endeavor despite industry relevance.
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 · Petitioner failed to establish national importance of proposed network architecture research; industry importance insufficient without specific endeavor impact
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Petitioner failed to establish national importance of proposed network architecture research; industry importance insufficient without specific endeavor impact |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | AAO reserved this prong because first prong failed; no meaningful purpose to analyze further |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | AAO reserved this prong because first prong failed; no meaningful purpose to analyze further |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.