Aircraft pilot and entrepreneur seeking NIW for EB-2 exceptional ability classification proposed a pilot staffing company. AAO found substantial merit but no national importance because the endeavor lacked broader impact beyond the company and its clients, with insufficient evidence of economic scale or scope to affect the nation's economy or aviation industry.

A project manager sought EB-2 NIW to start a management consulting company. Although meeting underlying EB-2 eligibility, the AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed the first Dhanasar prong: consulting services to individual clients lacked evidence of broader industry impact or national importance.

Civil engineer with advanced degree proposing to develop consulting firm providing civil engineering services. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor, though addressing housing shortage, lacks national importance because petitioner provided no evidence of substantial economic effects or job creation directly attributable to his work.

A truck driver and shipping executive sought EB-2 national interest waiver for a Florida freight shipping company. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance despite industry driver shortages, as petitioner submitted only industry-wide evidence without demonstrating his specific business's national impact.