EB-2 NIWBiotech and pharmaIndividualDecided March 2022Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR092022_03B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A medical scientist in dentistry sought EB-2 advanced degree classification with a national interest waiver for proposed oral health research. The AAO found the research had substantial merit and national importance but the petitioner was not well positioned to advance it, as education alone was insufficient and she lacked a documented record of research success or implementation.
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 oral health research has broader field implications; results disseminated via journals and conferences
What was missing
- Well positioned · Education alone insufficient; no record of research success or progress; findings lack documented implementation
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Proposed oral health research has broader field implications; results disseminated via journals and conferences |
 Well positioned | Not met | Education alone insufficient; no record of research success or progress; findings lack documented implementation |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Second Dhanasar prong failed; third prong not reached |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.