EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineIndividualDecided 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR312025_03B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A mechanical engineering doctoral student sought an EB-2 national interest waiver to develop computational models and digital twins for personalized medicine. The AAO found the endeavor met the first prong but dismissed because the petitioner lacked sufficient evidence of research success, clinical impact, or interest from relevant parties to show she was well positioned to advance it.
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 · Director and AAO agreed petitioner's computational modeling research for personalized medicine has substantial merit and national importance with dissemination through journals and conferences
What was missing
- Well positioned · Petitioner's citations, publications, and support letters insufficient to demonstrate record of success or progress rendering her well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Director and AAO agreed petitioner's computational modeling research for personalized medicine has substantial merit and national importance with dissemination through journals and conferences |
 Well positioned | Not met | Petitioner's citations, publications, and support letters insufficient to demonstrate record of success or progress rendering her well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached due to failure of second prong; decision reserved determination |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.