Transportation chief executive seeks EB-2 NIW claiming exceptional ability and national interest. AAO held petitioner failed to establish exceptional ability degree of expertise significantly above ordinary; meeting three criteria insufficient without demonstrating final merits; national importance prong not analyzed due to threshold failure.

A financial manager self-petitioner sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. The Director found substantial merit and national importance but denied overall. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish either advanced degree professional or exceptional ability status, making the underlying EB-2 classification prerequisite unmet.

An entrepreneur claiming exceptional ability and NIW sought to provide IT and business services. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding his proposed endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance and would not impact the IT industry broadly or create substantial economic effects.

Early childhood education entrepreneur with advanced degree sought national interest waiver for EB-2 employment-based second preference without job offer. AAO affirmed dismissal: proposed daycare business lacked evidence of national importance, broader industry implications, or substantial positive economic effects required under Dhanasar's first prong.