An accounting professional and entrepreneur sought exceptional ability and national interest waiver. The AAO found he met only one of six exceptional ability criteria. Because he failed the foundational EB-2 requirement, the AAO declined to reach the national interest waiver analysis and dismissed the appeal.

Entrepreneur seeks EB-2 NIW to establish educational and research institute in social sciences and contemporary history. AAO found proposed endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance; no evidence of significant U.S. employment potential or substantial positive economic effects commensurate with national importance.

A nutritional supplement entrepreneur sought EB-2 with NIW. The AAO found he lacked five years of progressive post-degree experience required for advanced degree equivalency. On NIW merits, his proposed business showed substantial merit but not national importance; job creation of seven positions lacked adequate explanation of substantial positive economic effects.

Data processing professional sought NIW claiming advanced degree or exceptional ability. AAO dismissed because petitioner lacked foreign equivalent of U.S. advanced degree or baccalaureate degree, failed to demonstrate five years progressive post-baccalaureate experience, and met only two of three exceptional ability criteria required.