EB-2 NIWFinance and economicsIndividualDecided 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL252024_06B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A financial technologies researcher with a PhD sought NIW as self-petitioner to start a fintech startup. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance despite showing substantial merit; benefits were confined to specific employers and clients rather than the field broadly.
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 fintech startup endeavor lacks national importance; benefits limited to prospective employers and clients, not broader field impact.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed fintech startup endeavor lacks national importance; benefits limited to prospective employers and clients, not broader field impact. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed; court declined to address remaining prongs. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed; court declined to address remaining prongs. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.