EB-2 NIWData science and analyticsEmployerDecided March 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR022026_04B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An operations research analyst with a PhD sought an EB-2 NIW for data-driven research in supply chain and financial markets. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner failed to demonstrate her specific endeavor's national importance, confusing the importance of the field with the importance of her proposed work.
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 conflated field importance with proposed endeavor importance; lacked documentary evidence of specific endeavor's prospective impact
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Petitioner conflated field importance with proposed endeavor importance; lacked documentary evidence of specific endeavor's prospective impact |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed the first prong |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed the first prong |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.