EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringIndividualDecided July 2021Sustained
Outcome: Sustained
JUL082021_02B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedMetBalance favors a waiverMet
Our summary
Environmental engineer with Ph.D. sought EB-2 with NIW. Proposed continued research on water quality and waste treatment. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs met: endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, petitioner well positioned to advance research, and on balance waiver benefits the United States.
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 · Environmental engineering research on water quality and waste treatment has potential prospective impact and national importance.
- Well positioned · Ph.D. in environmental engineering with specialization and relevant employment experience position petitioner to advance proposed research.
- Balance favors a waiver · Contributions to reduction of waste, energy development, and algae bloom prediction benefit U.S. even assuming availability of other qualified workers.
What was missing
Every criterion in the table was found met.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Environmental engineering research on water quality and waste treatment has potential prospective impact and national importance. |
 Well positioned | Met | Ph.D. in environmental engineering with specialization and relevant employment experience position petitioner to advance proposed research. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Met | Contributions to reduction of waste, energy development, and algae bloom prediction benefit U.S. even assuming availability of other qualified workers. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.