Published AAO appeal decisions

Electrical engineering researcher sought EB-2 NIW for work on renewable energy integration into power grids. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance; research shows no implications beyond university context; appeal dismissed.

An electrical engineer and project manager in renewable energy seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver. AAO held the specific endeavor lacks national importance under Dhanasar because evidence addresses professional credentials and industry significance, not the proposed endeavor's broader national impact or demonstrated employment potential.

Electrical and computer engineering researcher with master's degree sought EB-2 classification and national interest waiver. AAO found the proposed research endeavor has national importance but dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to demonstrate being well-positioned to advance it.

An electrical engineer and project manager seeks EB-2 national interest waiver for proposed data center consulting work. Petitioner claimed the endeavor would enhance U.S. data infrastructure, security, and sustainability. AAO held the proposed endeavor lacks specific description and demonstrated national importance; asserted importance of the industry itself does not establish national importance of the specific endeavor.

An electrical engineer proposed work in sustainable energy, smart telecommunications, and lighting systems, claiming alignment with national clean energy initiatives. The AAO held that importance of sustainable energy as field does not establish national importance of her specific endeavor; no evidence she would directly employ U.S. workers or achieve field-wide impact.

Security systems and electrical engineer self-petitioner sought EB-2 NIW. Director denied underlying EB-2 eligibility and NIW. AAO found endeavor has merit but lacks national importance required by Dhanasar's first prong, dismissing appeal without reaching remaining criteria.

Electrical project engineer with advanced degree seeking EB-2 and NIW for manufacturing consulting work. Director found substantial merit but not national importance. AAO affirmed that petitioner's proposed work would benefit only her employer or clients, lacking broader industry implications or substantial positive economic effects for the nation.

Radio frequency engineer seeks NIW to establish wireless network design consulting firm. AAO held endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance; petitioner's expertise addresses prong two, not the specific endeavor's prospective impact. First prong failure dispositive.

An electrical engineer sought a national interest waiver for renewable energy work. The AAO found his proposed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance, he was well positioned to advance it with relevant experience and credentials, and on balance a waiver would benefit the United States in critical energy technology.

Electrical engineer with 11 years IT and electrical engineering experience sought EB-2 national interest waiver for venture addressing cybersecurity, IoT, and sustainable energy. AAO dismissed: proposed endeavor lacked evidence of national importance and substantial impact on relevant industries despite general industry significance.

Mechatronics engineer sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and NIW. AAO affirmed denial because petitioner met only two of six criteria for exceptional ability; vocational diploma and training courses not comparable to professional license or certification required.

A telecommunications engineer and electronics specialist proposed advancing telecommunications technology solutions. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner provided insufficient evidence of specific endeavor scope, failed to distinguish from existing solutions, and lacked expert letters demonstrating national implications distinct from general field importance.

Telecommunications engineer seeking EB-2 advanced degree classification and national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to establish that his specific proposed endeavor has national importance; expertise and prior achievements insufficient to demonstrate prospective impact of the particular work itself.

Electromechanical engineer sought exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed first Dhanasar prong: did not establish national importance of proposed endeavor; submitted insufficient evidence identifying endeavor with specificity or demonstrating prospective impact. Reserved decision on underlying exceptional ability eligibility.

Electrical technician sought EB-2 exceptional ability and national interest waiver. Petitioner met only one of six exceptional ability criteria (academic record); failed on work experience, licensure, and salary. Failed first prong of Dhanasar test by not establishing national importance of proposed endeavor. Appeal dismissed.

Electrical engineer sought EB-2 NIW to own and operate a solar energy engineering business in Florida. AAO held the specific endeavor lacks national importance despite the importance of the solar energy field; unsupported claims of hiring and economic benefits do not meet Dhanasar's first prong.

Electrical engineer with decades of experience seeks EB-2 national interest waiver for consulting services bridging European and American electrical systems. Claimed national importance based on STEM shortage and consulting services. AAO dismissed, finding consulting services do not extend beyond client base to impact industry broadly; revenue and employment projections insufficient for substantial economic effects.

An engineer with exceptional ability qualification sought NIW for his electrical construction company focusing on sustainability. The AAO agreed with the Director that although he qualifies as exceptionally able, his specific proposed endeavor lacks national importance; STEM and sustainability fields alone do not establish impact at required level.

Electrical engineer sought EB-2 advanced degree classification and NIW for proposed energy efficiency and renewable energy services business. AAO found petitioner qualified as advanced degree professional but failed NIW first prong. Proposed endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance; no evidence of prospective economic impact or job creation at level required by Dhanasar.

Electrical engineer sought NIW under EB-2 as advanced degree professional. Proposed establishing engineering consulting business in automation and manufacturing. AAO dismissed, finding record did not establish national importance of specific endeavor; petitioner's experience and STEM field importance related to second prong, not endeavor's prospective impact.

Electronics engineer sought EB-2 NIW to develop and market medical smartphone applications. AAO reversed on first prong, finding national importance established, but upheld denial on second prong: insufficient evidence of success in app development, no prior related business experience, and post-filing customer interest letters undermined preparedness claim.

Telecommunications engineer sought NIW claiming national importance of network engineering work. Petitioner argued Director applied stricter standard and cited professor letters supporting endeavor value. AAO dismissed, finding specific projects lack national implications in telecommunications field or national economy.

Engineer with sales and management experience seeking NIW for consulting company focused on electrical engineering and US-South American business facilitation. Meets EB-2 advanced degree requirement but fails to establish national importance of proposed endeavor; economic impact not sufficiently demonstrated. Appeal dismissed.

An electrical engineer sought an EB-2 national interest waiver for a self-employed consultancy in oil and gas. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding the engineer's expertise and work, while valuable, lacked evidence of national importance, broader field implications, or substantial economic benefit required by Dhanasar.

Electrical engineer with advanced degree seeks national interest waiver for employment in energy systems management. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish that his proposed endeavor has national importance, as his work would not impact the broader field or economy.