An accounting professional and entrepreneur sought exceptional ability and national interest waiver. The AAO found he met only one of six exceptional ability criteria. Because he failed the foundational EB-2 requirement, the AAO declined to reach the national interest waiver analysis and dismissed the appeal.

CEO and cofounder of AI-based minerals exploration company sought national interest waiver under Dhanasar. Met exceptional ability standard but failed first prong of NIW framework. Petitioner did not establish that specific proposed endeavor has national importance despite government reports on critical minerals.

A Colombian aviation mechanic sought EB-2 classification as person of exceptional ability with national interest waiver. The AAO found the petitioner met three evidentiary criteria but lacked exceptional ability in final merits determination; the proposed endeavor also lacked national importance, thus dismissing the appeal.

A paralegal and entrepreneur sought EB-2 national interest waiver for a legal consulting firm. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; industry importance and past accomplishments were insufficient without evidence of broad prospective impact or substantial economic effects.