EB-2 NIWElectrical and electronic engineeringEmployerDecided November 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV042025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Senior hardware engineer at semiconductor company seeks EB-2 NIW with advanced degree. Petitioner conceded substantial merit but AAO rejected national importance, finding evidence conflated field importance with specific endeavor impact. No demonstration of innovations extending beyond employer or broader industry impact.
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 · Beneficiary's hardware engineering work lacks demonstrated national importance beyond employer and partners
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Beneficiary's hardware engineering work lacks demonstrated national importance beyond employer and partners |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second and third prongs not reached as unnecessary to decision |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second and third prongs not reached as unnecessary to decision |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.