Outcome: Dismissed
JUL082026_05B5203
Our summary
Ph.D. student in computer science pursuing generative AI research sought NIW under Dhanasar. AAO found proposed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, but petitioner failed second prong: insufficient evidence of being well positioned to advance research through citations, progress, or field recognition.
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 · AAO withdrew USCIS conclusion; research on generative AI has substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Limited citation impact, research citations not confirmed field-specific, no sufficient record of success or progress
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | AAO withdrew USCIS conclusion; research on generative AI has substantial merit and national importance | |
| Not met | Limited citation impact, research citations not confirmed field-specific, no sufficient record of success or progress | |
| Not reached / not discussed | Not reached; second prong not met, so balancing analysis unnecessary |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
