EB-2 NIWMathematics and statisticsIndividualDecided March 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR042026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A mathematician with a Ph.D. sought an EB-2 national interest waiver for mathematical research with government initiative alignment. The AAO agreed the proposed endeavor meets the first Dhanasar prong but found the petitioner is not well-positioned to advance it due to unclear employment status, unclear research duties, and insufficient evidence of available funding and institutional support.
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 · AAO found preponderance of evidence establishes proposed mathematical research endeavor has national importance based on potential impact and alignment with government initiatives.
What was missing
- Well positioned · Unclear if petitioner will pursue research alongside professor duties; insufficient details on funding sources and institutional support; lacks consistent evidence of research funding or government agency interest.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | AAO found preponderance of evidence establishes proposed mathematical research endeavor has national importance based on potential impact and alignment with government initiatives. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Unclear if petitioner will pursue research alongside professor duties; insufficient details on funding sources and institutional support; lacks consistent evidence of research funding or government agency interest. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Second prong failed; decision reserved analysis of third prong as not necessary to ultimate decision. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.