Published AAO appeal decisions

Pilot self-petitioner sought NIW under EB-2 as advanced degree professional. AAO dismissed appeal, finding initial endeavor as airline transport pilot lacked national importance, and petitioner materially changed endeavor in response to RFE without establishing broader field implications.

A self-petitioner proposes directing volleyball and soccer classes for low-income children. AAO affirmed service center revocation, finding proposed endeavor lacks national importance; offering youth sports to specific populations does not extend broader implications to industry, region, or nation required by Dhanasar.

Airline pilot and flight instructor self-petitioner sought NIW as EB-2 advanced degree professional. Qualified for EB-2 but failed first Dhanasar prong: proposed endeavor of continuing career and addressing pilot shortage lacks national importance despite job creation estimates. Appeal dismissed.

An aviation professional and certified flight instructor sought EB-2 national interest waiver to train future pilots and enhance airline operations. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the proposed training endeavor lacked national importance despite the aviation industry's significance; the petitioner focused on personal expertise rather than demonstrating broader field impact or effects in economically depressed areas.

Athlete and athletic trainer sought NIW for EB-2 to promote MMA in the US. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance: no showing of significant economic impact, industry growth alone insufficient, and techniques would not elevate field broadly. Appeal dismissed.

Airline pilot proposed cargo transport operations, crew training, safety analysis, and technology adoption. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance because pilot failed to show broader field impact; projected revenue and employment benefits insufficient for national importance.

A commercial airline pilot seeking EB-2 classification with national interest waiver claimed his endeavor would reduce strain on the aviation industry from pilot shortage. The AAO dismissed the appeal on two independent bases: invalid electronic signature on the appeal form and failure to establish first prong national importance under Dhanasar framework.

A martial arts educator sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and NIW. The AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner failed to meet three of six exceptional ability criteria and that the proposed educational endeavor lacked national importance beyond the employing organization.

An exercise trainer seeking EB-2 classification with national interest waiver claimed his instruction activities have substantial merit and national importance. The AAO found the endeavor merits substantial but lacks national importance because it fails to demonstrate prospective impact extending beyond his individual clientele to benefit the nation.

Sports industry professional sought EB-2 NIW for business venture. AAO dismissed appeal, finding no demonstrated national importance under Dhanasar's first prong. Petitioner conflated industry importance with specific endeavor impact; failed to show company would operate at national scale or generate substantial economic effects.

Martial arts entrepreneur and instructor sought NIW for business and training enterprise. AAO held substantial merit was met but national importance was not; no evidence of field or economy impact beyond direct clients, and business projections lacked adequate evidentiary support.

Commercial pilot sought EB-2 classification as individual of exceptional ability and NIW. Director found petitioner met four of six exceptional ability criteria; AAO found actual membership in professional associations not established and training certificates showed completion, not exceptional expertise. Appeal dismissed on both exceptional ability and NIW grounds.

Physical fitness specialist and entrepreneur sought NIW for EB-2 classification. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite substantial merit; benefits limited to client base without broader impact on physical fitness field or obesity prevention at national level.

Commercial pilot sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. AAO held petitioner lacked requisite advanced degree or bachelor's degree equivalent and failed to demonstrate national importance of proposed work as pilot and instructor, lacking evidence of industry-wide impact.

A water polo coach sought EB-2 NIW to establish a water polo club in Georgia. The AAO found the endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance because projected employment of one coach and modest revenue did not demonstrate significant economic impact or broader field implications.

A soccer director seeking EB-2 with NIW to establish a youth and community development organization. Claimed her endeavor had substantial merit and national importance. AAO affirmed denial, finding the proposed endeavor lacked demonstrated national importance; its positive economic effects were not commensurate with national-level significance.

An entrepreneur and swim instructor sought EB-2 national interest waiver claiming exceptional ability. The AAO found the petitioner met only one of six required exceptional ability criteria. Without establishing EB-2 eligibility, the AAO dismissed the appeal and reserved the Dhanasar prongs without discussion.

Commercial pilot and flight instructor sought NIW as EB-2 advanced degree professional, proposing to train U.S. pilots. AAO dismissed, agreeing that the endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance. Pilot shortage alone does not establish national importance of individual instruction work.

Physical fitness instructor sought EB-2 with NIW. AAO affirmed denial, finding evidence did not show proposed endeavor had national importance beyond the employer. Generic articles on fitness importance and expert opinions regarding position advancement did not establish national-level impact.

An exercise trainer and group fitness instructor seeking EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability classification with national interest waiver. AAO agreed endeavor lacked national importance; benefits limited to small subset of clients. AAO also withdrew director's finding that petitioner was well positioned to advance endeavor.

A pilot seeks an NIW for EB-2 classification proposing to become a flight instructor. He argued a national pilot shortage demonstrates national importance. The AAO held that a nationwide shortage in the profession does not establish that his specific proposed endeavor has national importance or would broadly impact the field.

Soccer coach and entrepreneur sought EB-2 classification as individual of exceptional ability and national interest waiver under Dhanasar. AAO found substantial merit but dismissed appeal because proposed endeavor lacked national importance; it would not impact athletics field broadly or provide sufficient economic benefits to rise to national importance level.

A former professional soccer player in Brazil seeks NIW for EB-2 as individual of exceptional ability to establish soccer development business. Petitioner claimed six evidentiary criteria for exceptional ability. AAO found petitioner fails to meet exceptional ability requirements and does not establish national importance of proposed endeavor under Dhanasar first prong, dismissing appeal.

Helicopter pilot sought NIW for EB-2 exceptional ability classification to work in medical air transport without job offer. AAO dismissed appeal because proposed work lacked national importance despite claims of public health benefits; endeavor did not demonstrate broader field impact or substantial societal welfare enhancement.

Martial arts entrepreneur seeks EB-2 NIW. Did not establish EB-2 eligibility as advanced degree professional or exceptional ability individual, meeting only two of six criteria. AAO found proposed endeavor lacks national importance and teaching would not impact field broadly; appeal dismissed.