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.

A civil engineer sought NIW for advanced-degree EB-2, proposing a scaffolding and shoring equipment business in Florida. The AAO dismissed the appeal, agreeing the endeavor had substantial merit but finding insufficient evidence that the specific endeavor would have national importance beyond local impact or economic significance.

Archaeologist with Egyptian Ph.D. in Islamic archaeology seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver for research comparing African American and Mamluk civilizations. First prong met; teaching and media production endeavors lacked sufficient specificity. AAO affirmed dismissal because petitioner failed second prong: education alone insufficient to show well-positioned status without demonstrated research success or external support.

Former customs official sought NIW for EB-2 classification to establish customs consulting firm and clearance services in United States. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacks national importance beyond petitioner's clientele, petitioner lacks entrepreneurial experience despite customs expertise, and therefore waiver not warranted.