EB-2 NIWFinance and economicsIndividualDecided March 2023Sustained
Outcome: Sustained
MAR222023_06B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedMetBalance favors a waiverMet
Our summary
Assistant professor of finance seeks national interest waiver for EB-2 based on real estate research. Director found substantial merit but not national importance. AAO reversed, finding research on environmental, social, governance impacts and market solutions has national importance through academic dissemination. Petitioner meets all three Dhanasar prongs.
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 · Research in real estate has national importance because results disseminated through academic journals and conferences, contributing to field advancements.
- Well positioned · Petitioner possesses education, skills, knowledge, and record of success in real estate research; prepared to advance proposed endeavor.
- Balance favors a waiver · Petitioner's expertise and track record of successful research provide contributions of value that would benefit United States.
What was missing
Every criterion in the table was found met.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Research in real estate has national importance because results disseminated through academic journals and conferences, contributing to field advancements. |
 Well positioned | Met | Petitioner possesses education, skills, knowledge, and record of success in real estate research; prepared to advance proposed endeavor. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Met | Petitioner's expertise and track record of successful research provide contributions of value that would benefit United States. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.