EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIIndividualDecided 2023Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL062023_04B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Machine learning researcher with Ph.D. seeking NIW for EB-2 classification. Proposed algorithms and system optimization research. AAO held first prong met but petitioner failed second prong; education alone insufficient; lacked evidence of significant grant leadership, documented field impact, or sustained industry interest.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
What the AAO accepted
- Merit and national importance · Director determined first prong satisfied; substantial merit and national importance of machine learning research established.
What was missing
- Well positioned · Ph.D. in engineering insufficient without demonstrated progress, record of success, or industry interest; limited grant responsibility and unsubstantiated citation percentiles.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Director determined first prong satisfied; substantial merit and national importance of machine learning research established. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Ph.D. in engineering insufficient without demonstrated progress, record of success, or industry interest; limited grant responsibility and unsubstantiated citation percentiles. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; analysis would serve no meaningful purpose per Dhanasar framework. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.