EB-2 NIWMechanical and aerospace engineeringIndividualDecided November 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV132025_05B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A doctoral student in mechanical engineering proposed work on HVAC system efficiency improvement. The AAO dismissed the appeal, holding that the applicant failed to demonstrate national importance of the specific endeavor; the general importance of energy efficiency in buildings was insufficient without showing broader field 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 · Proposed HVAC efficiency endeavor lacks demonstrated national impact beyond employer; field importance insufficient.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed HVAC efficiency endeavor lacks demonstrated national impact beyond employer; field importance insufficient. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second prong not reached as dispositive of appeal. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong not reached as dispositive of appeal. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.