A component design engineer was sponsored by a programmable logic device manufacturer under the EB-2 advanced degree category with a labor certification, not a national interest waiver. The service center denied for missing skills. The AAO withdrew that decision and remanded for review of successor-in-interest status, advertising evidence and qualifying experience.

A senior software engineer in automotive manufacturing sought NIW. Employer claimed the beneficiary's work on connected, efficient vehicles serves national interests. AAO found industry and STEM importance insufficient; specific prospective impact of individual's role was not demonstrated.

A medical device manufacturer petitioned for an R&D mechanical engineer under EB-2 exceptional ability. The labor certification failed to demonstrate the position required exceptional ability; the wage level and job requirements did not reflect need for expertise significantly above ordinary. Not an NIW petition; appeal dismissed.

A mechanical engineer with advanced degree sought NIW for a robotics research endeavor while employed full-time elsewhere. The AAO affirmed dismissal because the petitioner failed to establish that the specific proposed endeavor had national importance, showing only that robotics broadly benefits the field rather than demonstrating distinct national implications.