EB-2 NIWAgriculture and foodIndividualDecided June 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN262025_09B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Agricultural scientist seeking EB-2 national interest waiver for climate-resilient farming research. AAO found proposed endeavor met substantial merit and national importance prong but applicant failed second prong: master's degrees and publication record insufficient to establish she is well positioned to advance the endeavor. Third prong not addressed due to failure on second 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 · Research on climate-resilient farming and food security addresses pressing national challenges
What was missing
- Well positioned · Master's degrees and publications alone insufficient; lacks evidence of peer/government interest and significant research role comparable to Dhanasar standard
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Research on climate-resilient farming and food security addresses pressing national challenges |
 Well positioned | Not met | Master's degrees and publications alone insufficient; lacks evidence of peer/government interest and significant research role comparable to Dhanasar standard |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because applicant failed second prong; decision reserves arguments on third prong |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.