EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN282026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A construction project manager with an engineering master's degree sought an EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver, proposing to lead infrastructure projects using sustainable and resilient methods. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the specific endeavor was not shown to have national importance, and it reserved the remaining prongs.
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 · Substantial merit was accepted, but national importance of the specific endeavor was not shown; industry importance alone is insufficient.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Substantial merit was accepted, but national importance of the specific endeavor was not shown; industry importance alone is insufficient. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Reserved because the first prong failed. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Reserved because the first prong failed. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.