Published AAO appeal decisions

Project manager in oil and gas industry with advanced degree. Employer-sponsored petition for EB-2 NIW. Director found substantial merit but no national importance. AAO affirmed, holding vague professional plan lacks specific research partnerships or defined knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and benefits do not extend beyond employer to demonstrate national importance.

Clean products trader in oil and gas with chemical engineering degree seeking EB-2 NIW. Proposed continuing trading role domestically. AAO dismissed, finding trader's specific endeavor, though in nationally important industry, lacks independent national importance and broader prospective impact.

Employer-sponsored petroleum engineer sought EB-2 NIW to continue current role. Advanced degree requirement met. AAO dismissed appeal; petitioner failed to articulate specific proposed endeavor distinct from general job duties and did not demonstrate national importance beyond occupational significance.

A petroleum drilling engineer holding advanced-degree equivalent sought an EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO affirmed denial, finding his proposed endeavor of continuing employment in casing and cementing specialization lacked national importance. Though well positioned to advance the work, failure on the first prong precluded waiver eligibility.

A project manager in sustainable construction seeks NIW for solar panel and green building consulting. AAO dismissed appeal because the endeavor, though meritorious, lacks national importance and the petitioner provided inconsistent and vague descriptions of the specific proposed activities.

Professional with 25 years in oil and gas sought NIW for digital transformation and operations manager role. AAO held substantial merit was established but dismissed because proposed endeavor lacked national importance; applicant's career experience could not substitute for demonstrating the specific endeavor's prospective impact and broader implications.