EB-2 NIWChemistry and materialsIndividualDecided 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL302026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot met
Our summary
Chemical engineering graduate student seeks NIW for research designing materials for PFAS water purification. AAO found first prong met but rejected second prong, concluding citations and publications alone insufficient to show field influence and well-positioning.
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 · Water purification research using COFs and photocatalysts demonstrates substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Advanced degree alone insufficient; citation record and publications lack demonstrated influence on field advancement
- Balance favors a waiver · Contributions do not sufficiently outweigh labor certification process benefits to justify waiver
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Water purification research using COFs and photocatalysts demonstrates substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Advanced degree alone insufficient; citation record and publications lack demonstrated influence on field advancement |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not met | Contributions do not sufficiently outweigh labor certification process benefits to justify waiver |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.