Legal consultant with advanced degree sought NIW for EB-2 classification. Petitioner claimed national importance of proposed endeavor assisting businesses with international trade and market entry. AAO held specific endeavor lacked sufficient prospective economic impact; job creation and tax revenue from legal consulting did not meet national importance threshold.

Acupotomy researcher and clinician seeking NIW under EB-2 for proposed clinical work. Qualifies as individual of exceptional ability. AAO held endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance because impact is limited to specific patients and locations without demonstrated broader implications for healthcare field or quality of life broadly.

A civil engineer sought NIW for advanced-degree EB-2, proposing a scaffolding and shoring equipment business in Florida. The AAO dismissed the appeal, agreeing the endeavor had substantial merit but finding insufficient evidence that the specific endeavor would have national importance beyond local impact or economic significance.

A research scientist in experimental nuclear physics sought EB-2 NIW classification. The AAO agreed the proposed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance but found the petitioner was not well positioned to advance it based on education, skills, and record of success. Appeal dismissed without reaching the balancing prong.