EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIIndividualDecided June 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN102025_04B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A computer scientist proposed developing machine learning algorithms for precision medicine and drug discovery. Although the AAO found the endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, it affirmed the service center's finding that the petitioner failed to demonstrate she was well positioned to advance the research, lacking comparable evidence to established precedent.
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 · Computer scientist's proposed research on algorithms and machine learning for healthcare challenges found to have substantial merit and national importance.
What was missing
- Well positioned · Despite Ph.D. in STEM field and publication record, petitioner failed to demonstrate positioning comparable to Dhanasar precedent; education alone insufficient.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Computer scientist's proposed research on algorithms and machine learning for healthcare challenges found to have substantial merit and national importance. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Despite Ph.D. in STEM field and publication record, petitioner failed to demonstrate positioning comparable to Dhanasar precedent; education alone insufficient. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Third prong not reached because petitioner did not establish second prong. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.