Published AAO appeal decisions

Hospitalist physician with medical degree and research expertise in vascular diseases sought NIW for clinical research on peripheral arterial disease. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs met: endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, petitioner well positioned to advance it, and waiver beneficial to United States.

Physician-researcher in urologic oncology with advanced degree seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. Claimed three Dhanasar prongs: substantial merit of clinical and research endeavor, personal positioning to advance it, and balance favoring waiver. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three prongs met based on clinical care contributions, research trajectory, and public health significance.

A physician and researcher seeks a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification to continue arthroplasty research aimed at improving joint replacement outcomes. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding the proposed research has substantial merit and national importance, the petitioner is well-positioned to advance it, and waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the United States given his proven research capabilities.

Trauma surgeon and cancer researcher seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. Claimed three Dhanasar prongs: substantial merit and national importance of breast cancer research, capability to advance it, and net benefit to United States. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three prongs satisfied by evidence of research impact and petitioner's demonstrated expertise.

Physician with advanced degree sought NIW to continue cancer research and clinical practice, developing evidence-based staging guidelines. Petitioner established all three Dhanasar prongs: endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, petitioner well positioned by experience and expertise, and waiver benefits United States. Appeal sustained.