EB-2 NIWEnergy and climateIndividualDecided November 2024Sustained
Outcome: Sustained
NOV182024_11B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedMetBalance favors a waiverMet
Our summary
Self-petitioner, professor in Nigeria with Ph.D., proposed research on nanostructured materials to remove contaminants and microplastics from water for treatment and desalination. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs satisfied: research has national importance for U.S. water quality; petitioner well positioned to advance with relevant expertise and track record.
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 · Research on nanostructured materials for water treatment and removal of emerging contaminants has substantial merit and national importance under Safe Water Drinking Act.
- Well positioned · Ph.D. in relevant STEM field, track record of successful research, and plan for future activities demonstrate readiness to advance proposed endeavor.
- Balance favors a waiver · Petitioner's contributions to clean water initiatives of such value that waiver would benefit United States even if other qualified workers available.
What was missing
Every criterion in the table was found met.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Research on nanostructured materials for water treatment and removal of emerging contaminants has substantial merit and national importance under Safe Water Drinking Act. |
 Well positioned | Met | Ph.D. in relevant STEM field, track record of successful research, and plan for future activities demonstrate readiness to advance proposed endeavor. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Met | Petitioner's contributions to clean water initiatives of such value that waiver would benefit United States even if other qualified workers available. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.