Published AAO appeal decisions

A transportation researcher with advanced STEM degrees proposed continuing research on modeling tools and methodologies for transportation planning. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, the petitioner is well positioned to advance it, and national interest favors the waiver.

Psychological science researcher with Ph.D. sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs met: proposed research has substantial merit and national importance; petitioner is well positioned to advance it; waiver benefits U.S. interests.

Dental surgeon seeking NIW for advanced degree EB-2 to establish dental clinic. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacks national importance, petitioner not well positioned to advance it given focus on esthetician work, and labor shortage insufficient to balance waiver factors.

A database engineer with MBA sought NIW for freelance work and founding an online IT school. AAO dismissed appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance and petitioner was not well positioned to advance the online school despite having relevant experience and business background.

Medical researcher in liver transplantation sought EB-2 NIW. Service center found advanced degree qualification but denied waiver. AAO found proposed research had national importance but petitioner was not well positioned to advance it—lacking sufficient publication record, citations, and field recognition to demonstrate success trajectory.

Medical researcher with Ph.D. sought national interest waiver after director found advanced degree eligibility. AAO held all three Dhanasar prongs met: proposed research has substantial merit and national importance, petitioner well positioned to advance it, and waiver benefits United States based on her demonstrated expertise and contributions.

A professor and researcher with PhD sought EB-2 NIW for proposed research endeavor. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs met: endeavor had national importance, petitioner was well positioned to advance it, and waiver would benefit 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.