A business development specialist sought a national interest waiver for self-employment in business development consulting. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding substantial merit in the field but no national importance because evidence lacked a detailed business plan and failed to demonstrate substantial economic effects at a national level.

Entrepreneur sought NIW as EB-2 exceptional ability individual in business. AAO affirmed that petitioner failed to establish advanced degree or exceptional ability qualification under underlying EB-2 category. Dhanasar framework analysis not reached due to lack of prerequisite eligibility.

Organizational psychologist sought EB-2 NIW for HR services business. Claimed substantial merit and national importance. AAO found substantial merit established but rejected national importance because the endeavor would not impact the HR field broadly, only the petitioner's organization and clients.

A nutritional supplement entrepreneur sought EB-2 with NIW. The AAO found he lacked five years of progressive post-degree experience required for advanced degree equivalency. On NIW merits, his proposed business showed substantial merit but not national importance; job creation of seven positions lacked adequate explanation of substantial positive economic effects.