EB-2 NIWComputer science and AIEmployerDecided September 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP032025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceMetWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A telecommunications researcher with doctorate proposed advancing machine learning and deep learning research under EB-2 national interest waiver. AAO found her endeavor met national importance but dismissed appeal because publications, nominal peer reliance, and limited demonstrated funding responsibility failed to show she was well positioned to advance it.
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 · AAO concluded proposed research in machine learning and deep learning has national importance under Dhanasar first prong
What was missing
- Well positioned · Publications and citations alone insufficient; lacked demonstrated record of success, adequate funding responsibility, or sufficient influence to show she was well positioned
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Met | AAO concluded proposed research in machine learning and deep learning has national importance under Dhanasar first prong |
 Well positioned | Not met | Publications and citations alone insufficient; lacked demonstrated record of success, adequate funding responsibility, or sufficient influence to show she was well positioned |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Second prong failed; third prong not reached as dispositive shortcoming on second prong |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.