Published AAO appeal decisions

A company seeking to employ a chief executive officer for product distribution filed for national interest waiver. The AAO remanded the petition because the Director's decision did not adequately address the three-prong Dhanasar framework and failed to properly establish the petitioner's basic EB-2 qualification with an equivalent bachelor's degree.

An employer petitioned for O-1A classification for a chief executive officer in culinary development. AAO affirmed revocation of initial approval, finding beneficiary failed to meet extraordinary ability criteria. Award lacked documentation of national or international recognition; business contributions did not demonstrate major significance.

A medical device company sponsored a mechanical R&D engineer for EB-2 exceptional ability classification. This was not a national interest waiver case, and no waiver was requested. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the labor certification and offered wage did not show the position needs a person of exceptional ability.

Architectural project manager seeking national interest waiver. Director found substantial merit but denied on national importance grounds. AAO affirmed; petitioner failed to demonstrate proposed work would extend beyond employer and clients or offer innovations advancing the architectural or engineering fields.