EB-2 NIWLife sciences and medicineIndividualDecided November 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV252024_03B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A medical scientist with a Ph.D. sought EB-2 NIW for autoimmune disease research under Dhanasar framework. AAO found the endeavor had substantial merit but the petitioner lacked positioning to advance it: insufficient funding, no detailed plan for future work, and no demonstrated progress toward the proposed endeavor.
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 · Director found endeavor has substantial merit and national importance; not disturbed on appeal
What was missing
- Well positioned · Lacked funding, concrete support, or detailed plan; continued postdoctoral work insufficient evidence
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Director found endeavor has substantial merit and national importance; not disturbed on appeal |
 Well positioned | Not met | Lacked funding, concrete support, or detailed plan; continued postdoctoral work insufficient evidence |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; waiver denial dispositive |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.