A postdoctoral researcher in metabolic diseases sought an EB-2 national interest waiver. She satisfied the first prong (substantial merit and national importance) but failed the second: she lacked a clear plan, institutional commitment, or funding evidence to demonstrate she was well-positioned to advance her work, so the appeal was dismissed.

Geology researcher sought national interest waiver as member of professions with advanced degree. AAO found proposed research on microfossils and environmental assessments had substantial merit and national importance, but dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to demonstrate she was well positioned to advance the research independently without primary investigator responsibility.

Financial manager seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver. Claimed endeavor in financial consulting has substantial merit but lacks national importance as required by Dhanasar first prong. AAO affirmed dismissal because proposed work would only benefit specific clientele, not impact industry or economy broadly.

An artificial intelligence researcher with master's and Ph.D. degrees sought EB-2 NIW classification to advance machine learning algorithms for power system security. The AAO found all three Dhanasar prongs met: national importance of the endeavor, applicant's positioning, and net benefit to the United States. Appeal sustained.