Animal health specialist seeking EB-2 NIW for emotional support animal practice. Petitioner established advanced degree and substantial merit but failed to demonstrate national importance of proposed endeavor, showing only company-level rather than field-wide impact.

Veterinary assistant seeking NIW for self-employment opening veterinary clinic. Director found first Dhanasar prong met but AAO reversed, finding clinic lacks national importance and petitioner not well-positioned with insufficient planning, unclear location, and no progress documentation.

A facility manager sought EB-2 national interest waiver for proposed facility management and sustainability projects. While establishing substantial merit, he failed to demonstrate national importance under Dhanasar because the record lacked evidence of broader field implications, significant U.S. worker employment potential, or substantial positive economic effects beyond individual customer benefits.

A veterinarian assistant proposes opening a veterinary clinic in Texas. The AAO found the endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance, as it would serve only local clients without broader field impact. Appeal dismissed under the first prong of Dhanasar.