A financial manager with advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW classification. Director and AAO agreed substantial merit was established but national importance was not. Petitioner claimed her Brazil-focused financial business would create economic bridges, but lacked independent corroborating evidence; field importance alone was insufficient.

Self-petitioner entrepreneur in finance seeking NIW as EB-2. Claimed endeavor of financial advisory and training has substantial merit and national importance. AAO held the endeavor lacks demonstrated national importance because evidence does not show broader impact on the finance industry or economy beyond the business itself.

A manager and lawyer sought national interest waiver for immigration consulting business. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance and the petitioner was not well positioned to advance it, lacking immigration law credentials and prior business ownership experience.

Post-doctoral researcher in human-robot interaction sought national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. AAO found research had substantial merit and national importance but dismissed appeal on second prong, determining petitioner not well-positioned to advance the endeavor; citation history and Ph.D. insufficient without demonstrated government funding or primary grant leadership.