Self-petitioner IT consultant with advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW. Claimed 24 years experience and endeavor generating eight jobs with national importance. AAO affirmed Director's denial; specific endeavor lacks national importance despite IT industry significance; claimed job creation and past experience insufficient for national importance determination.

A business professional sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver for a business plan emphasizing employment creation and economic growth in a depressed area. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding substantial merit but rejecting national importance; the endeavor's benefits were regional, not national, and did not address the field broadly.

Financial manager sought EB-2 NIW. AAO held the proposed endeavor lacked national importance because it would not impact the financial field broadly and lacked significant potential for U.S. employment or substantial economic effects. Appeal dismissed.

Geoscientist and data scientist holding advanced degree seeking NIW. Petitioner proposed climate and groundwater modeling research with potential government decision-making and sustainability benefits. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite field relevance; supporting letters addressed petitioner's qualifications, not endeavor's broader impact or employment potential.