Published AAO appeal decisions

An applied mathematics and structural engineering researcher with a master's degree seeks NIW. Claimed all three Dhanasar prongs. The AAO held all three prongs met: the research endeavor has substantial merit and national importance; the petitioner's education, experience, and research accomplishments position him to advance the work; and the waiver benefits the United States.

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.

Civil engineer pursuing Ph.D. on risk-informed decision-making framework for energy generation claimed three Dhanasar prongs. AAO sustained appeal, finding the proposed research has substantial merit and national importance with broad applications, the petitioner is well positioned by education and track record, and the waiver benefits the United States.

Environmental engineer with Ph.D. sought EB-2 with NIW. Proposed continued research on water quality and waste treatment. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs met: endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, petitioner well positioned to advance research, and on balance waiver benefits the United States.

Civil engineer with doctoral degree seeking EB-2 NIW for infrastructure management research. Petitioner claimed all three Dhanasar prongs. AAO held all three met: research addresses national infrastructure concerns, petitioner is well-positioned through credentials and position, and national benefit from waiver outweighs certification interests.