EB-2 NIWMechanical and aerospace engineeringIndividualDecided March 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR242026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A mechanical engineer with advanced degree sought NIW for a robotics research endeavor while employed full-time elsewhere. The AAO affirmed dismissal because the petitioner failed to establish that the specific proposed endeavor had national importance, showing only that robotics broadly benefits the field rather than demonstrating distinct national implications.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Merit and national importance · Proposed robotics research endeavor lacks demonstrated national or global implications specific to the field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed robotics research endeavor lacks demonstrated national or global implications specific to the field. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong dispositive; second prong not reached per court precedent. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong dispositive; third prong not reached per court precedent. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.