Advanced materials engineering researcher seeking NIW for postdoctoral research in wastewater metal recovery and water remediation. Petitioner established field has substantial merit but failed to demonstrate national importance of specific proposed endeavor. Decision held mere employment in important STEM field insufficient without evidence of broader prospective impact.

Mechanical engineer sought NIW for self-directed endeavor in product development and quality management. AAO held the proposed endeavor lacks national importance because it serves only the employer and clients, not the broader nation, and general industry importance does not establish specific endeavor importance under Dhanasar.

An oil and gas project manager sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. The AAO found the petitioner qualified as advanced degree professional but held the proposed endeavor lacked national importance because the petitioner relied on industry significance rather than specific prospective impact of his individual work.

Materials engineer seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver for supply chain optimization initiative. Petitioner holds advanced degree but failed to establish national importance of proposed endeavor; claimed scalability and broad impacts lack specific details and independent corroborating evidence.