EB-2 NIWArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided October 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT062025_04B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Artist with master's degree sought EB-2 NIW to expand artistic presence in U.S. SCOPS found substantial merit but not national importance. AAO affirmed: endeavor lacks sufficient national importance and broader implications required under Dhanasar framework. 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 · Proposed endeavor to expand artistic presence has substantial merit but lacks national importance and broader implications required
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed endeavor to expand artistic presence has substantial merit but lacks national importance and broader implications required |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second prong not reached as unnecessary to decision |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong not reached as unnecessary to decision |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.