EB-2 NIWHealthcare, clinicalIndividualDecided 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR112026_05B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An internal medicine resident with advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW for interventional cardiology research. The AAO found the proposed research had substantial merit and national importance under the first Dhanasar prong. However, the second prong failed because letters of support lacked specific examples of how the petitioner's work affected clinical practice or demonstrated sufficient success warranting waiver of labor certification.
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 interventional cardiology research has substantial merit and national importance; clinical work does not meet national importance element.
What was missing
- Well positioned · Insufficient evidence of record of success, progress, or level of interest demonstrating petitioner is well positioned to advance proposed research endeavor.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Proposed interventional cardiology research has substantial merit and national importance; clinical work does not meet national importance element. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Insufficient evidence of record of success, progress, or level of interest demonstrating petitioner is well positioned to advance proposed research endeavor. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong dispositive; decision reserves analysis of third prong. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.