Entrepreneur with advanced degree seeking EB-2 NIW for sustainable agriculture business development. AAO affirmed denial because proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite substantial merit. Job creation and economic projections insufficient without supporting evidence of broader prospective impact.

A paralegal and entrepreneur sought EB-2 national interest waiver for a legal consulting firm. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; industry importance and past accomplishments were insufficient without evidence of broad prospective impact or substantial economic effects.

An online education entrepreneur sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. The AAO found the petitioner met only one of six exceptional ability criteria and therefore was ineligible for the underlying EB-2 classification. NIW analysis was declined as the petitioner was ineligible for EB-2. Appeal dismissed.

A financial manager self-petitioner sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. The Director found substantial merit and national importance but denied overall. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish either advanced degree professional or exceptional ability status, making the underlying EB-2 classification prerequisite unmet.