A nutritional supplement entrepreneur sought EB-2 with NIW. The AAO found he lacked five years of progressive post-degree experience required for advanced degree equivalency. On NIW merits, his proposed business showed substantial merit but not national importance; job creation of seven positions lacked adequate explanation of substantial positive economic effects.

Interior designer and CEO/entrepreneur sought EB-2 NIW. Petitioner claimed three exceptional ability criteria but established only one: advanced degree. AAO found insufficient evidence of ten years full-time experience, professional association membership, and industry recognition. Ineligible for underlying EB-2 classification; NIW analysis reserved.

Physical therapist with Brazilian credentials sought EB-2 NIW classification. AAO reversed the Service Center finding and held petitioner failed to establish advanced degree professional status or exceptional ability, with insufficient progressive post-baccalaureate experience, making NIW analysis unnecessary.

A violinist and music instructor sought EB-2 classification as person of exceptional ability and NIW. The AAO dismissed because she failed to meet the three-criterion threshold for exceptional ability: employment letters lacked required form, claimed professional association membership unsubstantiated, and submitted evidence did not show significant contributions to field.