Published AAO appeal decisions

A pharmaceutical chemist and assistant professor sought NIW classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish substantial merit and national importance of the proposed endeavor under Dhanasar's first prong because the endeavor remained vague and lacked evidence of broader field impact.

Chemist self-petitioner sought national interest waiver for EB-2 exceptional ability in drug development. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to sufficiently describe her specific proposed future work, preventing analysis of substantial merit, national importance, or positioning.

A chemist with Ph.D. in organic chemistry sought national interest waiver. AAO found she met the first two Dhanasar prongs but failed the third, concluding waiver was not warranted because her fellowship was time-limited, her citation metrics were deficient, and publication benefits were contingent on academic versus commercial employment.

Pharmaceutical scientist seeks national interest waiver of job offer requirement under EB-2. Met first prong showing substantial merit and national importance of proposed drug formulation research, but failed second prong lacking sufficient evidence of positioning to advance the work.

Quality assurance associate in pharmaceutical industry sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed four criteria; director found two met. AAO dismissed, holding petitioner failed to meet three of ten required criteria and lacks the sustained acclaim and top-tier recognition required.