Researcher, teacher, and policy adviser sought EB-2 advanced degree classification and NIW. AAO reversed director on national importance prong but affirmed denial on second prong: published research does not prove petitioner well positioned to advance the specific proposed endeavor without additional evidence of progress or success.

A chemical engineer with advanced degree sought national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. The AAO found the proposed research had substantial merit and national importance but concluded the petitioner was not well positioned to advance it, dismissing the appeal.

Assistant professor of international studies sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. Director approved first prong but denied second prong. AAO reversed, withdrawing national importance finding due to vague endeavor description and unclear future employment, and affirmed failure on second prong regarding positioning.

An attorney sought EB-2 national interest waiver for international arbitration legal advisory work. The AAO found the proposed endeavor materially changed in response to RFE, lacked detailed initial description, and failed to demonstrate national importance beyond assisting individual clients despite evidence of ADR field merit. Appeal dismissed.