Marketing professional in financial services sought advanced degree and exceptional ability classifications with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed first Dhanasar prong: established substantial merit and was well positioned but did not demonstrate that providing marketing services to limited clients has national importance distinct from general importance of her occupation.

Research engineer with mechanical engineering doctorate sought EB-2 NIW for HVAC&R systems research. AAO found the proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance but dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to show he is well positioned to advance it without his current employment, lacking independent funding and demonstrating field adoption.

Postdoctoral fellow in biomedical research sought EB-2 NIW with advanced degree. Proposed cancer research endeavor met substantial merit and national importance, but AAO found petitioner not well positioned to advance it: lacking significant funded grant record, evidence of work adoption by others, or comprehensive future plan despite strong academic credentials.

Chief of executive interim management petitioner self-filed for EB-2 with NIW, claiming his EIM and FDI consulting services have national importance. AAO dismissed: the specific proposed endeavor lacks national importance because it does not demonstrate broad implications or substantial economic effects beyond individual client benefits, despite importance of the EIM industry generally.