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Self-Assessment Template

Case Strength
Framework

EB-2 Academy — Structured self-assessment against Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016)

Work through each prong honestly. Use only evidence you can actually document — not evidence you plan to obtain. The classification result is only as reliable as the honesty of your self-assessment. This framework does not predict outcomes. It structures your understanding of where you stand.
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I Substantial Merit and National Importance

Third-party evidence inventory. List every piece of external validation you have. Count only sources independent of you and your employer.

  • Peer-reviewed publications (list count and journals)
  • Citations to your work by others (list count and who cited)
  • Competitive awards (list name, year, selectivity if known)
  • Patents (granted vs. pending; in use by others?)
  • Media coverage in recognized outlets (not press releases)
  • Speaking invitations at recognized conferences
  • Independent expert letters available (not from employer)

National importance documentation. Identify published sources establishing a documented national need your work addresses.

  • Government agency report documenting the need (NIH, CDC, NSF, DOL, etc.)
  • Peer-reviewed research establishing the problem at national scale
  • Official policy document identifying the gap your work addresses
Strong3+ forms of third-party validation, documented national need
Moderate1-2 forms of validation, national need documented
WeakPrimarily self-attestation, no published need documentation
II Well Positioned to Advance the Endeavor

Proposed endeavor assessment. Apply these tests to your draft:

  • Specific work output is named (not "research in X" but "develop Y to address Z")
  • Identifiable beneficiaries with approximate scale
  • Measurable outcome defined (what does success look like?)
  • Timeline specified (12-24 months typical)
  • Plan is NOT interchangeable with any other professional in your field
  • Connection from past work to proposed endeavor is explicit
  • Execution resources identified (institution, funding, collaborators)
StrongAll elements present, specific, and defensibly connected to background
ModerateMost elements present, minor gaps in specificity or resource identification
WeakCareer description rather than plan; significant pivot from background
III Beneficial to Waive on Balance

Waiver rationale. Identify which factors apply to your situation:

  • Nature of work makes labor certification impractical (self-employment, unique knowledge, entrepreneurial endeavor)
  • U.S. would benefit from contributions even if qualified U.S. workers exist
  • Urgency of national interest warrants forgoing labor market test
  • Work addresses documented shortage area or critical national need
StrongTwo or more factors clearly applicable with supporting evidence
ModerateOne factor applicable, argument for balance can be constructed
WeakNo clear basis for waiver; labor market test would likely be appropriate

Overall Classification

Classify each prong above, then apply the overall framework:

Strong

All three prongs at Strong or Moderate with no significant gaps. Minimal RFE risk.

Proceed to attorney review and filing.
Moderate

Two prongs solid, one with addressable weaknesses. Targeted preparation reduces risk materially.

Address specific gaps before filing.
Borderline

One or two prongs with significant evidentiary gaps. High RFE probability.

Consult attorney before filing.
Weak

Multiple prongs with insufficient evidence. Filing now is likely to produce denial or difficult RFE.

Build evidence base first. Do not file.
This template is for structured self-assessment, not for predicting outcomes. Maintained by ImigraScore — not a law firm. This framework applies the Dhanasar test to help you understand your evidentiary position. Individual case outcomes depend on specific evidence, how it is presented, and adjudicator discretion. Before filing, consult a licensed immigration attorney. Primary authority: Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016).
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