EB-2 NIWMechanical and aerospace engineeringEmployerDecided October 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT022025_10B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An aerospace engineer with a Ph.D. seeking EB-2 with NIW for fatigue/damage tolerance research demonstrated the first Dhanasar prong but failed the second, lacking evidence his work influenced the field or represented record of success in advancing 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 aerospace engineering research on fatigue tolerance has substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Citations and peer review alone insufficient; no evidence work influenced field or generated progress
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Proposed aerospace engineering research on fatigue tolerance has substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Citations and peer review alone insufficient; no evidence work influenced field or generated progress |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because second prong failed; no decision made on this criterion |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.