Published AAO appeal decisions

Engineering manager sought EB-2 national interest waiver for production engineering role in automotive manufacturing. AAO found the work, though valuable, lacked sufficient national importance as her proposed endeavor would not impact the field or industry broadly beyond her employer.

Mechanical engineering researcher with Ph.D. sought NIW for EB-2 advanced degree classification. AAO found his proposed nanoparticle research met the substantial merit and national importance prong but failed the second prong: insufficient evidence he was well positioned to advance the endeavor through funding history and citations.

Mechanical engineering researcher with Ph.D. sought EB-2 national interest waiver for nanoparticle research. First prong met on research merit and national importance. AAO dismissed, finding petitioner failed second prong: insufficient evidence of independent funding acquisition, citation impact, or demonstrated leadership capacity relative to advisors and coauthors.

Aerospace engineering researcher with Ph.D. seeking national interest waiver. First Dhanasar prong met: proposed research has substantial merit and national importance. Appeal dismissed on second prong: insufficient evidence that beneficiary is well positioned to advance proposed research; publications and peer review activity do not constitute adequate record of success.