Published AAO appeal decisions

An AI researcher self-petitioning for EB-1A extraordinary ability. Claimed six evidentiary criteria and final merits assessment. AAO found only two criteria met (judging and scholarly articles), falling short of the required three. Record lacks evidence of major significance, widespread influence, or national acclaim necessary for extraordinary ability classification.

Cartography manager sought EB-2 NIW for GIS development and consulting project. AAO dismissed, finding no sufficient documentary evidence establishing the specific proposed endeavor has national importance or broader field impact despite working in important data technology sector.

Semiconductor equipment engineer sought NIW claiming to operate and maintain semiconductor manufacturing facilities. AAO dismissed because the proposed endeavor lacked sufficient specificity and detail; showing work in an important field alone does not establish national importance of the specific endeavor.

A systems administrator specializing in cybersecurity claims extraordinary ability in cybersecurity and computer science. He claimed three criteria but satisfied only one. The AAO rejected his ISSA membership and scholarly articles evidence, finding insufficient documentation of extraordinary ability.

Cybersecurity and IT teacher seeks NIW for EB-2 advanced degree classification as IT professional. Claimed endeavor would reduce fraud and identity theft nationwide. AAO dismissed appeal, finding no demonstrated national importance or broad prospective impact beyond specific employers required under Dhanasar framework.

Senior AI researcher sought EB-2 NIW for research on disease prediction using biomedical data and modeling. AAO held specific endeavor lacks national importance; research field importance and petitioner credentials do not demonstrate broader industry or national impact.

A computer science lecturer and network consultant sought EB-2 with national interest waiver for research and academic roles. The AAO affirmed denial based on failure to demonstrate the petitioner was well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; insufficient evidence of funded research or meaningful field impact.

A software developer specializing in 3D digital scanning since 1998, working as CTO for a major dental scanning company, sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found three criteria met and, reviewing the record holistically, determined the evidence established sustained national acclaim and top-tier status. Appeal sustained.

Cybersecurity professional seeking EB-2 exceptional ability with NIW. Proposed founding cybersecurity consulting business. AAO affirmed denial: endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance; government strategy references address field broadly, not petitioner's specific proposed work.

Telematics systems engineer and CEO of tracking technology company. Self-petitioner seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met three of seven claimed criteria but failed final merits determination; lacked sustained national or international acclaim required for top-tier classification.

Web developer and digital designer seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed three evidentiary criteria but lacked documentary evidence for association membership. AAO held petitioner failed to meet minimum three criteria; even in aggregate, record does not support sustained national or international acclaim required; appeal dismissed.

IT executive seeking NIW for EB-2 proposed starting consulting company offering professional training courses and workshops. AAO found proposed endeavor lacks national importance because it addresses individual clients rather than advancing IT technologies or field broadly.

A computer systems professional with 15 years IT project management experience sought EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed, affirming the director's finding that the petitioner failed to identify a specific proposed endeavor, discussing only past accomplishments and future educational plans without demonstrating how any specific endeavor would achieve national importance.

Data center and cybersecurity specialist seeking NIW for EB-2 exceptional ability classification. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding the petitioner met only two of six criteria and failed to satisfy high salary and recognition criteria; therefore ineligible for underlying EB-2 classification and NIW not reached.

Telecommunications engineer proposed Florida-based consulting business under EB-2 with national interest waiver. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance; local business serving physical therapy shortage does not demonstrate broader prospective impact required by Dhanasar.

Information technology professional proposed to establish an IT services company and sought EB-2 national interest waiver under Dhanasar. AAO dismissed, finding the proposed endeavor has substantial merit but lacks evidence of national importance or prospective economic impact at required level.

Information technology project manager in human-computer interactive digital technologies sought EB-1A. AAO held petitioner met three initial criteria but failed final merits determination because evidence lacked comparative data showing sustained acclaim and top-tier field standing.

Computer scientist seeking NIW for research on machine learning and high-performance computing convergence. AAO dismissed appeal, finding the proposed endeavor insufficiently specific to permit Dhanasar analysis and lacking demonstrated national importance or broader field impact.

Self-petitioner operating IT consulting cybersecurity company sought NIW under EB-2. AAO dismissed appeal, finding endeavor lacked national importance despite field importance; petitioner failed to show broader implications beyond immediate clients or level of economic impact meeting Dhanasar standard.

A cybersecurity specialist seeking EB-2 with NIW to develop an AI framework for real-time threat detection aligned with national security priorities. Claimed the endeavor combats cyberattacks and fosters US competitiveness. AAO dismissed, finding insufficient evidence of broader industry or economic impact beyond his company and its clients.

A general and operations manager seeking EB-2 with NIW to advance STEM technology projects. Claimed her endeavor aligned with Biden Administration priorities and involved important fields. AAO dismissed, finding insufficient evidence of the specific endeavor's national importance despite its work in important fields.

Cybersecurity researcher seeks EB-2 NIW. Claimed field importance and connection to national cybersecurity interests establish national importance of proposed research. AAO dismissed, holding national importance requires prospective impact on field more broadly; research focused on completing doctorate lacks defined, nationally important employment endeavor.

IT specialist proposes establishing technical solutions consultancy for small business clients in accounting, finance, and operations. Petitioner claimed national importance through job creation and economic development. AAO held the endeavor lacks national importance because impact limited to individual clients, not industry-wide.

IT specialist seeks NIW for consultancy business in computer systems management. Petitioner claimed national importance through job creation and economic effects. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacks demonstrated national impact beyond serving individual clients despite operating in important field.

High technology consultant seeking EB-2 with NIW claimed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance. AAO held proposed predictive maintenance and artificial intelligence consulting services lacked sufficient evidence of significant economic benefits or broad impact beyond company clientele.