Formulation scientist with Ph.D. seeks NIW for drug delivery systems research. AAO found substantial merit and national importance of proposed research endeavor but concluded petitioner failed to demonstrate independence from employer, failing second prong.

Business administrator sought EB-2 with NIW for consulting company helping businesses avoid closure. AAO dismissed appeal, finding substantial merit but no national importance; petitioner failed to demonstrate impact beyond company clientele or substantial U.S. job creation.

Nurse seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver based on proposed specialized nursing work in hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ICU care. AAO held petitioner lacks advanced degree and proposed endeavor lacks national importance because benefits would not extend beyond her employer and coworkers to impact the nursing field broadly.

HR and organizational development consultant with advanced degree sought NIW as EB-2 professional. AAO dismissed, finding field importance does not establish national importance of specific proposed endeavor; petitioner presented new evidence on appeal but failed to demonstrate prospective impact beyond prospective clients.