A financial and investment analyst entrepreneur sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to demonstrate eligibility for the underlying EB-2 classification by meeting the initial evidence threshold, making Dhanasar analysis unnecessary.

A financial advisor seeking EB-2 with NIW to operate an investment brokerage firm. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked substantial merit and national importance as required under Dhanasar's first prong because no evidence demonstrated significant job creation, economic depression area impact, or broad prospective benefit to the United States.

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.

Medical physicist sought EB-2 classification with NIW, proposing radiation therapy detector research using CdTe semiconductor material. AAO found the endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, but dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to demonstrate she was well-positioned to advance it.