Soccer coach and entrepreneur sought EB-2 classification as individual of exceptional ability and national interest waiver under Dhanasar. AAO found substantial merit but dismissed appeal because proposed endeavor lacked national importance; it would not impact athletics field broadly or provide sufficient economic benefits to rise to national importance level.

A soccer coach and sports manager with master's degree in sport management sought EB-2 with NIW, proposing a youth soccer development program. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the proposed endeavor demonstrated substantial merit but lacked national importance; coaching individual children insufficient to impact sports management field broadly.

A former professional soccer player in Brazil seeks NIW for EB-2 as individual of exceptional ability to establish soccer development business. Petitioner claimed six evidentiary criteria for exceptional ability. AAO found petitioner fails to meet exceptional ability requirements and does not establish national importance of proposed endeavor under Dhanasar first prong, dismissing appeal.

A sports coordinator and trainer sought EB-2 with national interest waiver under Dhanasar. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the proposed endeavor lacked demonstrated national importance, despite addressing the important issue of childhood obesity. The petitioner failed to show the work would impact U.S. soccer or public health broadly or generate substantial positive economic effects.