EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIIndividualDecided October 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT022025_05B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Graduate research assistant in cybersecurity self-petitions for EB-2 NIW. Proposes autonomous vehicle security research with substantial merit and national importance. AAO finds insufficient evidence of deployment impact, citation comparisons, or progress rendering her well positioned to advance the 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 · Proposed cybersecurity research for autonomous vehicles has substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Master's degree and citations insufficient; no evidence research findings deployed in automotive industry or comparative impact metrics
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Proposed cybersecurity research for autonomous vehicles has substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Master's degree and citations insufficient; no evidence research findings deployed in automotive industry or comparative impact metrics |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; balance-of-interest analysis not necessary when petitioner not well positioned to advance endeavor |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.