EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringIndividualDecided November 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV242025_07B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Civil engineer holding advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW. SCOPS granted advanced degree qualification but denied waiver for lack of national importance. AAO affirmed: petitioner showed merit of field and his capability to advance work but failed to establish specific proposed endeavor has broader implications or national importance needed under Dhanasar first prong. Appeal dismissed.
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 · Petitioner did not establish specific endeavor has broader implications or national importance; evidence addressed field importance only, not proposed endeavor's prospective impact.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Petitioner did not establish specific endeavor has broader implications or national importance; evidence addressed field importance only, not proposed endeavor's prospective impact. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | SCOPS found this criterion met; first prong failure dispositive, so second prong not reached on appeal. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failure dispositive; third prong analysis reserved and not reached. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.