EB-2 NIWBiotech and pharmaIndividualDecided March 2022Sustained
Outcome: Sustained
MAR182022_02B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedMetBalance favors a waiverMet
Our summary
A cancer biology researcher with a Ph.D. sought a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification to conduct research on targeted cancer therapies. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs satisfied: the research has substantial merit and national importance, she is well positioned to advance it, and the waiver benefits the United States.
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 · Cancer biology research on targeted therapies has substantial merit and broader implications demonstrated through publications and scientific dissemination.
- Well positioned · Ph.D. in biology with documented track record of successful research and influential publications shows capacity to advance endeavor.
- Balance favors a waiver · Advanced STEM degree, critical technology focus, and well-positioned status combined with public health value justify waiver.
What was missing
Every criterion in the table was found met.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Cancer biology research on targeted therapies has substantial merit and broader implications demonstrated through publications and scientific dissemination. |
 Well positioned | Met | Ph.D. in biology with documented track record of successful research and influential publications shows capacity to advance endeavor. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Met | Advanced STEM degree, critical technology focus, and well-positioned status combined with public health value justify waiver. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.