EB-2 NIWSports and athleticsIndividualDecided December 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
DEC062024_02B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Sports industry professional sought EB-2 NIW for business venture. AAO dismissed appeal, finding no demonstrated national importance under Dhanasar's first prong. Petitioner conflated industry importance with specific endeavor impact; failed to show company would operate at national scale or generate substantial economic effects.
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 · Sports industry importance does not establish specific endeavor's national importance; company benefits limited to prospective clients, not broader field impact.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Sports industry importance does not establish specific endeavor's national importance; company benefits limited to prospective clients, not broader field impact. |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; second prong not reached per Bagamasbad doctrine. |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; third prong not reached per Bagamasbad doctrine. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.