EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringEmployerDecided May 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAY122025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedMetBalance favors a waiverNot met
Our summary
Civil engineer and researcher with Master's degree seeks NIW for waterborne disease framework research. AAO dismissed, finding petitioner met first two Dhanasar prongs but failed the third: while endeavor involves critical emerging technology, evidence did not show national interest urgent enough to waive labor certification.
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 · Framework for waterborne disease and human health research has substantial merit and national importance.
- Well positioned · Master's degree in civil engineering, skills, knowledge, and related work experience position petitioner well.
What was missing
- Balance favors a waiver · Petitioner did not establish national interest sufficiently urgent to forgo labor certification despite meeting first two prongs.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Framework for waterborne disease and human health research has substantial merit and national importance. |
 Well positioned | Met | Master's degree in civil engineering, skills, knowledge, and related work experience position petitioner well. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not met | Petitioner did not establish national interest sufficiently urgent to forgo labor certification despite meeting first two prongs. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.