EB-2 NIWData science and analyticsIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN122026_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Senior data analyst seeks NIW for EB-2 classification to develop machine learning models for diabetes risk prediction. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance of proposed endeavor and insufficient evidence of being well positioned to advance it despite holding master degrees and modest publication record.
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 · Proposed endeavor lacks demonstrated national importance; focus on specific project rather than field-wide impact
- Well positioned · Limited publication history, conference presentations, and vague support letters do not demonstrate positioning to advance endeavor
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed endeavor lacks demonstrated national importance; focus on specific project rather than field-wide impact |
 Well positioned | Not met | Limited publication history, conference presentations, and vague support letters do not demonstrate positioning to advance endeavor |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed first prong; no meaningful purpose to analyze |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.