EB-2 NIWMechanical and aerospace engineeringEmployerDecided October 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT202025_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A mechanical engineer with an advanced degree sought an NIW for a proposed endeavor in ultrasonic guided-wave damage detection for infrastructure. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish national importance of the specific endeavor despite its STEM and emerging-technology focus.
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 in ultrasonic damage detection lacks demonstrated national importance; no broader field implications or economic benefits established.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Proposed endeavor in ultrasonic damage detection lacks demonstrated national importance; no broader field implications or economic benefits established. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second prong not reached. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong not reached. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.