Published AAO appeal decisions

A petitioner sought to establish extraordinary ability for their beneficiary, claiming satisfaction of regulatory criteria without a major award. Although the service center found three criteria met, the AAO withdrew one finding on published material and found the totality of evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the field, dismissing the appeal.

Industrial product company petitioned for an EB-2 national interest waiver for a product engineering team lead with a master's in mechanical engineering. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish the proposed endeavor's substantial merit and national importance under Dhanasar's first prong, lacking sufficient detail on how the work would impact U.S. infrastructure beyond the company.

A technician sought EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver, claiming exceptional ability. The AAO found the petitioner failed to submit required initial evidence for EB-2 qualification and did not establish exceptional ability. Because EB-2 eligibility was not shown, the NIW analysis was not reached.

A quality control manager with an advanced degree seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary's proposed work as a quality control manager lacked sufficient prospective impact to satisfy the national importance prong of Dhanasar, even in a strategically important defense infrastructure sector.

Pilot sought EB-2 national interest waiver for aviation training endeavor. AAO found proposed work has substantial merit but lacks national importance under Dhanasar's first prong. Letters of support insufficient; no evidence of broader industry impact or substantial positive economic effects. Second and third prongs not reached.