A postdoctoral researcher in geological sciences with Ph.D. sought NIW for AI-enabled subsurface prediction framework for carbon capture. AAO dismissed because the applicant failed to demonstrate the specific proposed endeavor has national importance; general field importance and employer benefits insufficient without showing broader prospective impact.

A field engineer and X-ray fluorescence analyst sought a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. The AAO held that while the proposed research endeavor on petroleum engineering and methane emissions demonstrates substantial merit, it lacks national importance under Dhanasar's first prong, and did not address the remaining prongs.

Engineer with 20 years water systems experience seeks NIW to expand his consulting company offering engineering services for water infrastructure. AAO dismissed appeal because proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite working in critical field; benefits do not extend beyond his company.

A resident physician with a bachelor of medicine degree sought NIW for EB-2. The AAO reversed the service center's denial of underlying EB-2 eligibility and remanded for proper analysis of national interest waiver under Dhanasar, finding the service center failed to provide meaningful reasoning.