Post-doctoral researcher in human-robot interaction sought national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. AAO found research had substantial merit and national importance but dismissed appeal on second prong, determining petitioner not well-positioned to advance the endeavor; citation history and Ph.D. insufficient without demonstrated government funding or primary grant leadership.

A financial manager with advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW classification. Director and AAO agreed substantial merit was established but national importance was not. Petitioner claimed her Brazil-focused financial business would create economic bridges, but lacked independent corroborating evidence; field importance alone was insufficient.

A pharmacist sought EB-2 NIW for establishing a pharmaceutical consulting company. The AAO found the proposed endeavor had substantial merit but failed the national importance prong because the petitioner did not demonstrate how the specific consulting services would impact the pharmaceutical industry or broader economy at a national level.

Systems engineer sought NIW to develop business management software for small and medium-sized enterprises. AAO dismissed because petitioner failed to establish national importance of the specific endeavor: while evidence showed his qualifications, the software development focused on serving individual clients without broader industry or economic impact.