Chemical engineering graduate student seeks NIW for research designing materials for PFAS water purification. AAO found first prong met but rejected second prong, concluding citations and publications alone insufficient to show field influence and well-positioning.

Self-petitioner seeking to establish an IT security consulting firm in Florida claims national interest waiver. Petitioner demonstrated substantial merit of cybersecurity work but failed to show national importance; individual company services lack broader implications extending beyond clients to impact field, region, or nation at requisite level.

A professional holding an advanced degree sought a national interest waiver of the job offer requirement. The director found the advanced degree qualification met but denied the waiver. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the proposed endeavor was not shown to have national importance, and it reserved the remaining prongs.

Medical device manufacturing entrepreneur with advanced degree sought NIW. Petitioner established qualifying advanced degree status but failed first Dhanasar prong by not demonstrating specific endeavor has national importance. Appeal dismissed without reaching well-positioned or balance prongs.