Published AAO appeal decisions

A mechanical and aerospace engineer with Ph.D. sought national interest waiver for EB-2. The AAO found his proposed research had substantial merit and national importance. However, he failed to demonstrate he was well positioned to advance the research because his education alone was insufficient and citation statistics and letters did not show personal research impact on the field.

Structural engineer seeking NIW as assistant professor and researcher. Proposed endeavor materially changed after filing from researcher role to professor-researcher hybrid; national importance not established; petitioner failed to address director's conclusions on appeal.

An aerospace engineer sought national interest waiver. AAO found the proposed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, but the petitioner failed the second prong because his research lacked demonstrated field impact, his role in funding was unclear, and his work showed no record of progress in advancing space research.

Aerospace engineer seeks NIW for EB-2 to continue research on aerodynamic and automatic control systems. AAO found proposed research met Dhanasar prong one with national importance and broader field implications. However, petitioner failed prong two: insufficient evidence showed he was well positioned to advance research despite Ph.D., publications, and support letters. Appeal dismissed.