EB-2 NIWEducation and academiaIndividualDecided October 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
OCT312024_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A research economist and professor sought EB-2 classification with NIW. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner qualified as advanced degree professional but failed to establish national importance. Research on equity and low-income communities lacked evidence of prospective impact beyond personal employer.
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 · Working in important field insufficient; proposed endeavor lacked demonstrated national impact beyond employer
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Working in important field insufficient; proposed endeavor lacked demonstrated national impact beyond employer |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second prong not reached per Bagamasbad doctrine |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong not reached per Bagamasbad doctrine |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.