Self-petitioner entrepreneur in finance seeking NIW as EB-2. Claimed endeavor of financial advisory and training has substantial merit and national importance. AAO held the endeavor lacks demonstrated national importance because evidence does not show broader impact on the finance industry or economy beyond the business itself.

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.

Dentist qualified as EB-2 advanced degree professional but sought national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal, finding her proposed endeavor to practice dentistry lacked national importance; individual dental practice benefits patients and employer but lacks broader national prospective impact.

A control systems engineer in the aerospace sector sought a national interest waiver, and the Director had found the first prong met. The AAO withdrew that finding because the proposed endeavor was not specifically defined, found him not well positioned, and dismissed the appeal without reaching the third prong.