EB-2 NIWEducation and academiaIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN072026_04B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Secondary school teacher seeking NIW as EB-2 advanced degree professional to implement STEM program. Qualified for EB-2 but failed first Dhanasar prong: program benefits constrained to participating schools and students; scalability and alignment with federal priorities insufficient for national importance. Appeal dismissed.
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 · STEM program implementation benefits narrowly confined to participating schools; lacks national or global field impact
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | STEM program implementation benefits narrowly confined to participating schools; lacks national or global field impact |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; decision reserved second and third prongs without analysis |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; decision reserved second and third prongs without analysis |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.