EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineEmployerDecided June 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN242026_02B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A postdoctoral researcher in stress biology sought EB-2 with national interest waiver for neutrophil-targeted therapy research. The AAO found the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, but the petitioner did not demonstrate he is well-positioned to advance it, failing the second Dhanasar prong.
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 · Proposed neutrophil-targeted therapies for inflammatory disease has substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Prior publications concern stem cells, NK cells, monocytes; do not specifically pertain to proposed research
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Proposed neutrophil-targeted therapies for inflammatory disease has substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Prior publications concern stem cells, NK cells, monocytes; do not specifically pertain to proposed research |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; further discussion would be advisory and unnecessary |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.