EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIIndividualDecided July 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL312026_03B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A computer scientist with a Ph.D. in computer science seeks EB-2 with NIW. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding she misunderstood national importance requirements and failed to show her proposed endeavor would impact the field broadly. Routine or incremental contributions without broader implications do not satisfy the Dhanasar standard.
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 · Petitioner did not demonstrate potential prospective impact of proposed work or how it will impact field more broadly; routine contributions insufficient
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Petitioner did not demonstrate potential prospective impact of proposed work or how it will impact field more broadly; routine contributions insufficient |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second and third prongs not addressed as petitioner did not establish eligibility under Dhanasar framework |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong not reached because petitioner does not satisfy foundational NIW requirements |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.