EB-2 NIWEducation and academiaEmployerDecided October 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT162025_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An urban and regional planning researcher sought EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver. The AAO found the proposed endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance, as it did not demonstrate novel innovation or broader field-wide impact comparable to Dhanasar examples. The first NIW prong failed, and remaining prongs were not reached; the appeal was 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 lacked national importance; no novel impact on public transportation industry broadly
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed endeavor lacked national importance; no novel impact on public transportation industry broadly |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed; Dhanasar analysis reserved |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed; Dhanasar analysis reserved |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.