EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN282026_05B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A machine learning scientist with a U.S. PhD in computational biosciences sought EB-2 NIW classification for developing bioinformatics algorithms and predictive models for disease detection and precision medicine. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance and the petitioner was not well positioned to advance it without demonstrating broader impact or employer approval for external research dissemination.
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 · Endeavor in bioinformatics and precision medicine had substantial merit but lacked national importance; insufficient detail on prospective impact and no evidence research would extend beyond proprietary employer confines.
- Well positioned · Education and publications positive but lacked demonstrated record of success, investor interest, progress toward endeavor, or feasible financial support plans.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Endeavor in bioinformatics and precision medicine had substantial merit but lacked national importance; insufficient detail on prospective impact and no evidence research would extend beyond proprietary employer confines. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Education and publications positive but lacked demonstrated record of success, investor interest, progress toward endeavor, or feasible financial support plans. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Reserved because petitioner failed first two prongs. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.