Dhanasar Prong 2 — education, skills, record of success, and plan
Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016), requires that the petitioner demonstrate they are well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor. USCIS considers factors including but not limited to: the individual’s education, skills, knowledge, and record of success in related or relevant efforts; any model or plan for future activities related to the proposed endeavor; any progress toward achieving the proposed endeavor; and the interest of potential customers, users, investors, or other relevant entities or individuals.
Prong 2 is forward-looking but must be grounded in credible past performance and a plausible path—not aspiration alone.
Officers weigh whether the totality of the record shows you can actually execute the endeavor. A STEM Ph.D. or other advanced credentials may be relevant under January 2022 USCIS guidance but are not alone dispositive. Adjudicators look for concrete proof: publications, citations, patents, products shipped, patients enrolled (where applicable), code or datasets adopted, leadership roles, funding won, media coverage tied to technical contribution, and letters from people who know the work firsthand.
For entrepreneurs, evidence of founder role, capital raised, revenue, strategic partnerships, hiring, and technology milestones supports positioning. For clinicians or researchers, appointments, grants, trial leadership, and peer recognition matter.
Strong Evidence
Weak Evidence
Common RFE Triggers
Pro Tips
CV, employment verification, publication and citation reports, patent office documents, grant award notices, media articles, conference acceptances, recommendation letters, customer or pilot agreements, pitch decks (summary slides + evidence), tax or revenue summaries where appropriate, licensure, and Other verifiable artifacts of progress.