Published AAO appeal decisions

A physician-researcher pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences seeks NIW for research on breast cancer biomarkers and early detection. The petitioner claimed three Dhanasar prongs. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding the proposed research has substantial merit and national importance, the petitioner is well-positioned to advance it given his medical degree and publication record, and waiving job offer requirements would benefit the United States.

Biomedical engineer seeks NIW for EB-2 advanced degree classification to conduct cell and gene therapy research. Meets all three Dhanasar prongs: proposed endeavor has national importance, petitioner is well-positioned through credentials and research record, and waiving job offer benefits the United States.

A cancer biology researcher with a Ph.D. sought a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification to conduct research on targeted cancer therapies. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs satisfied: the research has substantial merit and national importance, she is well positioned to advance it, and the waiver benefits the United States.

A biostatistics researcher with a Ph.D. sought an EB-2 national interest waiver. He proposed research improving clinical trial design and quality-of-life studies. The AAO sustained his appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs satisfied: substantial merit and national importance, well-positioned qualifications, and net benefit to the nation.