EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIEmployerDecided March 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR262026_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A machine learning engineer with a master's degree sought EB-2 NIW for research into autonomous driving and robotics systems. The AAO confirmed he met the advanced degree requirement and that his endeavor had substantial merit, but rejected the petition because his proposed research lacked sufficient evidence of national importance under Dhanasar's first prong.
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 research on autonomous driving and robotics lacks sufficient documentary evidence of impact rising to national importance level
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed research on autonomous driving and robotics lacks sufficient documentary evidence of impact rising to national importance level |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Reserved for future consideration because first prong not established |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Reserved for future consideration because first prong not established |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.