EB-2 NIWChemistry and materialsIndividualDecided May 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAY202025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A software engineer and researcher sought an EB-2 national interest waiver to continue research on molecular materials for water treatment and clean energy storage. The AAO accepted the endeavor's merit and national importance but dismissed the appeal, finding he was not well positioned to advance it despite his doctorate and publications.
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 · The AAO withdrew the service center finding and accepted the research as having substantial merit and national importance.
What was missing
- Well positioned · Advanced degree, publications, citations and letters did not show a record of success or sufficient interest to be well positioned.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | The AAO withdrew the service center finding and accepted the research as having substantial merit and national importance. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Advanced degree, publications, citations and letters did not show a record of success or sufficient interest to be well positioned. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | The AAO reserved this issue because the second prong was not met. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.