EB-2 NIWCivil and environmental engineeringIndividualDecided September 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP302025_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot metBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A researcher in sustainable building and construction proposes to advance climate-resilient environmental research through peer publication and conferences. AAO held the proposed endeavor lacks national importance under Dhanasar's first prong because the record shows only ordinary research activities similar to all other researchers, without evidence of broader field impact or adoption by decision-makers.
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 · Research on sustainable building and carbon emissions lacks national importance; ordinary research activity without proven broader field impact.
- Well positioned · Insufficient probative evidence of means or financial support to undertake proposed research in United States.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Research on sustainable building and carbon emissions lacks national importance; ordinary research activity without proven broader field impact. |
 Well positioned | Not met | Insufficient probative evidence of means or financial support to undertake proposed research in United States. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed first two prongs of Dhanasar framework. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.