Published AAO appeal decisions

A confectionary bakery chef, sponsored by a pastry restaurant, sought nonimmigrant classification as an individual of extraordinary ability. The decision treats the matter as arts-based (O-1B style) and the appeal was dismissed because the petitioner never tied the submitted documents to any regulatory criterion.

An entrepreneur seeking EB-2 national interest waiver proposed developing zeolite-based fertilizers, filters, and supplements for agriculture and energy sectors. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence that his specific endeavor would have national importance or broad field impact beyond promotional materials and general letters.

An agribusiness CEO sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed a motion to reconsider, affirming that the petitioner failed to establish national importance because his updated business plan remained uncorroborated and lacked evidence of broader field implications beyond his clients.

A nonprofit employer sought NIW for its senior advisor in humanitarian food security and livelihoods work. AAO affirmed dismissal because beneficiary's specific monitoring and evaluation role lacked broader field implications; humanitarian importance of organization insufficient for national importance of individual endeavor.

Food engineer with advanced degree seeking national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. Director approved underlying EB-2 but denied NIW, finding no national importance to proposed endeavor. AAO affirmed that petitioner's work advising individual food manufacturers lacks sufficient prospective impact on meat processing industry to meet Dhanasar's first prong.

An agricultural engineer with a doctorate sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver to conduct soft skills and values training through workshops. The AAO affirmed EB-2 eligibility but dismissed, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance as training activities would not sufficiently impact the field broadly at national level.

Agronomist engineer sought EB-2 advanced degree classification and NIW. AAO affirmed denial because proposed endeavor lacked national importance; petitioner failed to articulate specific projects or goals beyond routine occupational duties that would demonstrate broader industry impact.

Aquacultural engineer with advanced degree seeking EB-2 NIW. Proposed consultancy providing services to aquaculture industry. AAO dismissed, finding endeavor lacked national importance under Dhanasar first prong; no evidence of substantial economic impact, job creation, or broader industry influence.

Plant researcher seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver for plant propagation research. AAO affirmed denial because petitioner failed to describe specific proposed endeavor and did not show how his individual work would impact the broader field at national level.

A wholesale agricultural products company sought national interest waiver for a beneficiary. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the beneficiary failed to meet exceptional ability requirements and did not establish well-positioning to advance the proposed endeavor or that waiver would benefit the United States.

University sponsored assistant professor in agricultural soil science for national interest waiver. AAO sustained appeal, finding proposed research on greenhouse gas emissions and soil fertility meets all Dhanasar prongs and merits waiver.

Petitioner, a horse groomer, sought EB-1A classification. Initial submission was counsel's letter without documentary evidence. Director found no qualifying evidence under regulatory criteria. Petitioner abandoned all issues on appeal. AAO found petitioner failed to meet three-evidence requirement.

A restaurant filed an EB-1A petition for a French-style cook, and the service center denied it for lack of extraordinary ability. The petitioner did not challenge the denial reasons or supply the promised brief or evidence. The AAO dismissed because sustained acclaim and top-of-field standing were not shown. No individual criteria were analyzed.