Mental health counselor with advanced degree sought NIW for independent practice. Petitioner argued field importance and her expertise; AAO affirmed denial because proposed solo practice lacked national importance, operating only at individual patient level without business plan, projections, or broader regional or national impact.

A physical therapist with advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW to establish a home health care company in Florida. The AAO dismissed because the proposed endeavor lacked national importance despite industry labor shortage; mere field shortages cannot establish national significance.

An entrepreneur in physical therapy sought self-petitioned EB-2 NIW to operate a mobile physical therapy clinic with training programs. The AAO dismissed the appeal because petitioner established substantial merit but failed to demonstrate national importance; the endeavor lacked broader implications for the field beyond direct patient and trainee benefits.

An occupational therapist and entrepreneur from Brazil seeks NIW for EB-2 to establish a rehabilitation clinic. She met the advanced degree requirement but failed to demonstrate national importance of her specific proposed endeavor, only showing substantial merit. The AAO affirmed dismissal.