EB-2 NIWEntrepreneurshipIndividualDecided August 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG032026_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An aviation pilot and entrepreneur sought NIW to develop flight planning software for general aviation. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence of national importance; the proposed endeavor's benefits appeared limited to the petitioner's startup without demonstrating broader impacts on the aviation industry or economy.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Merit and national importance · Petitioner found to have substantial merit but failed to demonstrate national importance; impact limited to startup company and private clientele without broader field or economic effects.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Petitioner found to have substantial merit but failed to demonstrate national importance; impact limited to startup company and private clientele without broader field or economic effects. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Decision did not reach second prong because first prong was dispositive. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Decision did not reach third prong because first prong was dispositive. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.