Civil engineer with graduate business coursework seeks NIW. AAO affirmed denial, finding no demonstrated national importance for specific proposed endeavor. Articles on STEM importance and engineering shortages insufficient; analysis must focus on individual's specific endeavor, not industry importance.

A civil engineer sought NIW to operate a construction and sustainability consulting company. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding substantial merit but no national importance; claimed worker shortage and industry importance insufficient without evidence of this specific endeavor's projected economic impact or broader field implications.

Civil construction project manager with master's degree proposes Florida-based residential and commercial remodeling company. AAO dismissed the national interest waiver appeal, finding the business plan lacked documented evidence of prospective impact beyond serving specific clients or employees, and projected revenues and job creation were insufficient to demonstrate national importance.

An entrepreneur seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver for a consulting firm providing channel management and sales force effectiveness services. AAO affirmed dismissal because petitioner failed to establish national importance despite having substantial merit; claimed job creation and economic benefits were not adequately documented as substantially exceeding typical small business operations.