EB-2 NIWHealthcare, clinicalIndividualDecided March 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR132026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Pediatric resident with master's and medical degrees sought EB-2 NIW for translational research on fetal cardiology. AAO found national importance established but dismissed because petitioner lacked demonstrated record of research success, field attention, and current prospects needed to be well positioned.
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 · SCOPS determined petitioner established first Dhanasar prong; AAO did not disturb
What was missing
- Well positioned · Master's and medical degrees alone insufficient; no demonstrated record of research success or field attention
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | SCOPS determined petitioner established first Dhanasar prong; AAO did not disturb |
 Well positioned | Not met | Master's and medical degrees alone insufficient; no demonstrated record of research success or field attention |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; petitioner's contributions insufficient to outweigh labor certification benefits |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.