EB-2 NIWArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided January 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN312020_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A historical architect sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. The AAO found she qualified as advanced degree holder but failed Dhanasar's first prong: her preservation consulting work, though having substantial merit, lacked evidence of national importance or broader field impact. Appeal dismissed.
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 remodeling and preservation consulting work lacked sufficient evidence of national importance and prospective impact beyond clientele.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed remodeling and preservation consulting work lacked sufficient evidence of national importance and prospective impact beyond clientele. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; analysis of second prong unnecessary under Dhanasar framework. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong analysis not reached. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.