Entrepreneur seeks EB-2 NIW to establish educational and research institute in social sciences and contemporary history. AAO found proposed endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance; no evidence of significant U.S. employment potential or substantial positive economic effects commensurate with national importance.

IT project manager sought NIW as individual of exceptional ability. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner met only two of six exceptional ability criteria (academic records and work experience); withdrawal of third criterion (professional membership) left petitioner below minimum threshold, and underlying eligibility failure precluded NIW analysis.

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.

Organizational psychologist sought EB-2 NIW for HR services business. Claimed substantial merit and national importance. AAO found substantial merit established but rejected national importance because the endeavor would not impact the HR field broadly, only the petitioner's organization and clients.