Aircraft mechanic seeking EB-2 NIW claimed training programs and maintenance improvements would address aviation mechanic shortage with national importance. AAO dismissed, finding proposed endeavor lacks sufficient national importance and would not impact field broadly beyond individual trainees or employers.

Pilot with advanced degree seeking EB-2 NIW classification changed proposed endeavor significantly in response to RFE rather than establishing national importance of initial petition. AAO found material change impermissible and that original pilot/airline captain endeavor lacked sufficient detail and documentation to demonstrate substantial merit and national importance.

An airline pilot sought NIW for EB-2 to work as a pilot and flight instructor. The AAO affirmed dismissal because the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; the petitioner conflated the general importance of the aviation industry with a specific, nationally significant undertaking and did not explain how his work would positively impact the economy on a broad scale.

An urban and regional planning researcher sought EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver. The AAO found the proposed endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance, as it did not demonstrate novel innovation or broader field-wide impact comparable to Dhanasar examples. The first NIW prong failed, and remaining prongs were not reached; the appeal was dismissed.