Published AAO appeal decisions

Employer petitioned for NIW for project controls engineer managing capital improvement contracts for school districts. AAO dismissed appeal because engineer's specific work lacks national importance; role in contract administration does not advance STEM or field broadly; industry significance does not establish endeavor significance.

Automobile manufacturer petitions for advanced-degree beneficiary as global safety investigations and recalls coordinator. Claimed national importance via safety improvements and industry impact. AAO affirmed dismissal; substantial merit shown but lacks national importance; work improves employer operations without demonstrating broader automotive or safety recall industry impact.

An engineer sought EB-2 with NIW to open a consulting firm serving small/medium construction companies. The AAO dismissed, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance. Arguments about environmental and economic benefits were insufficient under Dhanasar framework.

A researcher in advanced manufacturing sought EB-2 with NIW. The Service Center approved the advanced degree requirement. The AAO dismissed, finding the proposed endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance; past research accomplishments do not establish future national-level impact.

Aircraft mechanic seeking NIW for EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability classification. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance of his specific proposed endeavor of providing aviation mechanical services, conflating industry importance with endeavor-specific national impact.

A mechanical engineer sought EB-2 NIW to establish a consulting business. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed the first Dhanasar prong: his proposed consultancy lacked business plan detail, identified no specific clients, and did not demonstrate national importance or significant economic impact.

A mechanical engineer and researcher in additive manufacturing sought employer-sponsored EB-2 NIW for research benefiting aerospace and military industries. The AAO reversed the service center on prong one but dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to demonstrate she was well positioned to advance the endeavor through prior success or external support.

Industrial and quality engineer seeks EB-2 exceptional ability classification and NIW. AAO affirmed dismissal partly because petitioner abandoned appeal arguments regarding national importance by failing to respond to Director's analysis. Also found first Dhanasar prong unmet.

Mechanical engineer seeking national interest waiver for EB-2 exceptional ability classification. Petitioner proposed either employment or founding consulting startup. AAO found proposed endeavor lacked specific national importance; generalized industry references insufficient under Dhanasar; appeal dismissed.