EB-2 NIWBusiness and managementIndividualDecided August 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG122024_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A pastor sought NIW classification for a pastoral counseling firm in Pennsylvania. The applicant claimed substantial social and cultural value. The AAO found the endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance, finding no evidence of broader field impact, job creation potential, or substantial economic effects beyond specific clients.
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 · Pastor counseling firm lacks national importance; no evidence of broader field impact or substantial economic effects beyond local clients
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Pastor counseling firm lacks national importance; no evidence of broader field impact or substantial economic effects beyond local clients |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because first prong failed |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.