EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineIndividualDecided November 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV242025_02B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A psychology professor with Ph.D. sought EB-2 national interest waiver for research on data science and ecological threats. AAO found proposed research has substantial merit and national importance but determined petitioner lacks evidence of being well-positioned to advance endeavor; appeal dismissed.
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 · AAO agreed petitioner meets first prong; research on ecological threats and mental health has national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Ph.D. and publications alone insufficient; petitioner lacks demonstrated influence, significant funding, or comparable record
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | AAO agreed petitioner meets first prong; research on ecological threats and mental health has national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Ph.D. and publications alone insufficient; petitioner lacks demonstrated influence, significant funding, or comparable record |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed second prong; decision reserves arguments on balance |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.