A financial technologies researcher with a PhD sought NIW as self-petitioner to start a fintech startup. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance despite showing substantial merit; benefits were confined to specific employers and clients rather than the field broadly.

Physical therapist and entrepreneur sought EB-2 with national interest waiver to establish her own practice providing wellness services. AAO affirmed denial, finding her proposed endeavor lacked the national importance required under Dhanasar's first prong, as it had only local economic implications without broader field impact.

A product manager with master's degrees in international business and marketing seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO affirmed denial because while the endeavor has substantial merit, the petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance as the proposed work lacks prospective impact beyond his employer.

Logistics analyst employer-sponsored petitioner sought EB-2 NIW. AAO affirmed dismissal finding petitioner failed to establish underlying EB-2 qualification; foreign education credentials not established as equivalent to U.S. advanced degree and insufficient progressive experience documented.