EB-2 NIWEnergy and climateIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN142026_03B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Electrical engineer sought NIW for research on power grid efficiency and sustainability. AAO dismissed appeal because proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite alignment with climate goals, and evidence demonstrates past qualifications rather than prospective impact of specific proposed work.
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 research on power optimization lacks prospective impact; importance of industry insufficient to establish endeavor national importance
- Well positioned · Past success and qualifications do not establish well-positioned status for proposed endeavor
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed research on power optimization lacks prospective impact; importance of industry insufficient to establish endeavor national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Past success and qualifications do not establish well-positioned status for proposed endeavor |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first and second prongs failed |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.