EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN232026_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An entrepreneur in civil engineering with a Brazilian engineering degree sought EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver for a construction management company focusing on infrastructure modernization and sustainability. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner did not demonstrate that her specific endeavor would have substantial national importance beyond general industry benefits.
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 · Construction management company lacks demonstrated national-level impact and specific prospective benefits beyond general industry benefits.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Construction management company lacks demonstrated national-level impact and specific prospective benefits beyond general industry benefits. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.