EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringIndividualDecided March 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR032025_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot reached / not discussedWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A geomatics engineering researcher with a doctorate seeks NIW as EB-2 advanced degree professional. The AAO affirmed denial because the petitioner failed to show he is well positioned to advance his proposed tenure-track research endeavor, lacking evidence of grant funding, research significance, or broader field impact necessary under Dhanasar prong two.
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
- Well positioned · Advanced degree alone insufficient; no evidence of grant funding, research impact, or progress on proposed endeavor
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not reached / not discussed | Director did not conclude on prong one; decision reserves the issue |
 Well positioned | Not met | Advanced degree alone insufficient; no evidence of grant funding, research impact, or progress on proposed endeavor |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because prong two failed; decision reserves the issue |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.