EB-2 NIWFinance and economicsIndividualDecided July 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL142021_03B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Economist with advanced degrees and federal and academic experience seeking NIW under EB-2. Petitioner qualified for underlying EB-2 classification. AAO found proposed work in economics research has substantial merit but lacks national importance: petitioner provided only vague references to prior work without detailing specific prospective 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 · Substantial merit established but national importance not shown; lacks specific prospective impact description
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Substantial merit established but national importance not shown; lacks specific prospective impact description |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not addressed because first prong failed; Dhanasar framework requires dismissal at prong one |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not addressed because first prong failed; Dhanasar framework requires dismissal at prong one |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.