A commercial pilot and flight instructor sought NIW as EB-2 advanced degree professional claiming to address pilot shortage. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor too vaguely defined and lacking evidence that his work would have substantial merit or national importance despite aviation industry challenges.

A pilot sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver for aviation work. AAO dismissed the appeal, holding the petitioner established substantial merit but failed to demonstrate the national importance of his specific proposed endeavor as required by the first Dhanasar prong; general industry importance insufficient.

Commercial pilot sought EB-2 NIW; materially changed proposed endeavor from pilot employment to drone technology business in response to RFE. AAO rejected drone business change as material alteration and affirmed first-prong denial: pilot employment lacks national importance despite aviation industry shortage; individual employment cannot extend beyond employer level.

A pilot seeks EB-2 national interest waiver claiming his work would address aviation industry pilot shortage. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to clearly define his specific proposed endeavor and lacked sufficient evidence of substantial merit and national importance.