Marketing professional in financial services sought advanced degree and exceptional ability classifications with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed first Dhanasar prong: established substantial merit and was well positioned but did not demonstrate that providing marketing services to limited clients has national importance distinct from general importance of her occupation.

Physical therapist with Brazilian credentials sought EB-2 NIW classification. AAO reversed the Service Center finding and held petitioner failed to establish advanced degree professional status or exceptional ability, with insufficient progressive post-baccalaureate experience, making NIW analysis unnecessary.

A CEO of a lighting event design group seeking EB-2 classification as exceptional ability professional with national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner failed to establish the underlying EB-2 qualification, lacking both an advanced degree and meeting three of the exceptional ability criteria, making national interest waiver analysis unnecessary.

Speech-language pathologist holding foreign bachelor's degree equivalent sought national interest waiver. Did not establish five years progressive experience for advanced degree professional status. Proposed endeavor providing patient care lacked national importance as it would impact only direct clients. Appeal dismissed.