Chemical engineering graduate student seeks NIW for research designing materials for PFAS water purification. AAO found first prong met but rejected second prong, concluding citations and publications alone insufficient to show field influence and well-positioning.

Chief operating officer of NSF-funded fire suppression technology startup seeking EB-2 NIW. Qualified for underlying EB-2. AAO affirmed denial of first Dhanasar prong: while fire suppression field is important, petitioner's specific operational work lacks national importance beyond employer benefits and does not broadly impact the industry.

An assistant professor in classics sought a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. The AAO held the proposed endeavor—study of ancient inscriptions, preservation of epigraphical resources, and classics teaching—has substantial merit but lacks the requisite national importance under Dhanasar's first prong, and did not address the remaining prongs.

Adapted physical education specialist and entrepreneur proposes health and wellness centers for special needs children in Florida, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Claimed national interest waiver for EB-2. AAO affirmed denial, finding endeavor lacks national importance despite substantial merit; business plan lacks evidence of broader field impact or economic scale reaching national significance.