EB-2 NIWElectrical and electronic engineeringIndividualDecided October 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT082025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Postdoctoral candidate in electrical engineering with Master's degree sought EB-2 NIW for research in machine learning applications. AAO affirmed Service Center denial, finding endeavor has national importance but petitioner is not well positioned to advance it, lacking sufficient evidence of field influence or relevant party interest.
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 · Petitioner demonstrated proposed endeavor in electrical energy has substantial merit and national importance
What was missing
- Well positioned · Petitioner's work lacks sufficient evidence of influence in field; minimal citations and no demonstrated interest from relevant parties
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | Petitioner demonstrated proposed endeavor in electrical energy has substantial merit and national importance |
 Well positioned | Not met | Petitioner's work lacks sufficient evidence of influence in field; minimal citations and no demonstrated interest from relevant parties |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed second prong; third prong analysis unnecessary |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.