Published AAO appeal decisions

Associate director in international supply chain operations seeking EB-2 national interest waiver. Service center found advanced degree qualification but denied waiver. AAO affirmed, holding that supply chain management work, despite general field importance, does not demonstrate specific national importance under Dhanasar first prong.

Professional with advanced degree in geodetic engineering sought EB-2 NIW for co-living management system for senior citizens. Proposed endeavor has substantial merit addressing housing and aging issues, but petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance; impact limited to end users without evidence of broader field transformation or economic benefits.

A CFO and entrepreneur in real estate development with an advanced degree sought a national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed the appeal, holding the proposed endeavor of developing residential and commercial properties has substantial merit but lacks national importance; it benefits the applicant's clientele without demonstrating broader economic or field impact.

Human resources specialist seeks EB-2 NIW claiming innovative HR methodologies would benefit U.S. business landscape and job creation. AAO affirmed denial because while endeavor has substantial merit, petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance through specific prospective impact or connection to broader national implications.

Business management consultant with advanced degree seeks NIW. Petitioner claimed proposed management consulting services support federal priorities and address industry shortage. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks sufficient evidence of national importance, broader field implications, or substantial economic effects required under Dhanasar first prong.

A management scientist sought EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver for research-based endeavors in inclusive leadership and workforce adaptability. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner failed to demonstrate substantial merit and national importance of the specific proposed endeavor under Dhanasar's first prong.

An entrepreneur with advanced degree claims NIW for supply chain logistics consultancy. AAO reversed service center's EB-2 denial on advanced degree grounds but affirmed NIW denial, finding specific endeavor lacks national importance; work for prospective clients lacks regional or national impact.

A consultant sought an NIW to operate a consultancy company for small and medium-sized enterprises. Although the AAO found substantial merit and the petitioner well positioned, the endeavor lacked national importance; consulting services for regional businesses did not demonstrate prospective impact of national significance.

An industrial engineer sought NIW for proposed consulting work. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance, showing only general field importance and speculative potential benefits rather than specific prospective impact of her proposed endeavor.

Entrepreneur seeking EB-2 NIW for business exporting supply chain products. AAO dismissed appeal, finding substantial merit but not national importance. Petitioner failed to demonstrate specific prospective impact beyond her company and customers; reliance on sector importance and general statistics insufficient without corroborating evidence of substantial economic effects.

Project management specialist with advanced degree sought NIW for a consulting initiative providing training and mentorship to rural entrepreneurs in Florida. AAO dismissed, finding the proposed endeavor, while having substantial merit, lacks the national importance required by the first prong of the Dhanasar framework; general economic benefits and job creation potential are insufficient.

General manager seeking EB-2 NIW for business consulting services claimed company importance to U.S. business ecosystem. AAO dismissed, finding no sufficient evidence that proposed endeavor would impact business consulting field broadly or generate substantial positive economic effects at national level.

HR professional and entrepreneur sought EB-2 NIW based on proposed AI platform connecting businesses with artisans and sustainable fashion work. AAO found endeavor lacked sufficient national importance; broad statements about economic benefits and job creation were unsubstantiated by corroborating evidence of prospective impact.

HR consultant sought EB-2 national interest waiver. AAO found petitioner demonstrated substantial merit of proposed US HR consulting endeavor but failed to establish national importance, concluding prospective impact limited to particular business rather than field or broader economy. Appeal dismissed without addressing positioning or balance arguments.

A security consultant sought EB-2 national interest waiver to establish a security services business. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the proposed business lacked national importance despite the field's merit, as its impact would not extend beyond specific clients to affect the security sector broadly.

A business continuity planner seeks EB-2 NIW based on exceptional ability and national interest. The AAO found the endeavor has substantial merit but lacks demonstrated national importance because support for Latino small businesses lacks sufficient prospective economic impact or field-wide implications, and the petitioner failed the first Dhanasar prong.

Business management consultant with advanced degree sought EB-2 NIW. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacked national importance under Dhanasar first prong. Business plan projections and service to minority-owned small businesses insufficient to demonstrate broader economic or sectoral impact.

An IT consultant sought EB-2 with national interest waiver to establish a consultancy serving the pharmaceutical industry. The AAO affirmed dismissal because his business plan, though showing substantial merit, lacked sufficient evidence that the methodology had been adopted in industry or would significantly benefit the national economy.

International legal advisor in business consulting seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. Petitioner claimed endeavor had national importance through ecosystem strengthening and cross-border business benefits. AAO held first Dhanasar prong unmet: proposed endeavor lacks documented national importance; cited evidence addresses general field trends, not specific endeavor impact; insufficient proof of substantial economic benefits.

Regional logistics manager employed by yard management services provider sought national interest waiver. AAO affirmed denial, finding broad claims about strategic leadership and industry impact insufficient; specific endeavor showed no prospective national economic benefit or U.S. job creation.

Logistics manager seeking NIW for EB-2 classification to establish startup consulting and software company in Florida. AAO affirmed SCOPS denial, finding proposed endeavor lacked national importance because impacts remained localized to company clients without establishing broader industry implications or substantiated economic effects.

Industrial engineer proposing retail loss prevention and supply chain management business seeking EB-2 NIW. AAO withdrew SCOPS determination on substantial merit, accepting it. However, petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance; employment projections and revenue forecasts insufficient to establish significant employment or economic impact regionally or nationally beyond specific clients.

A prospective management consultant seeks EB-2 national interest waiver to establish a small consultancy for businesses. The AAO affirmed denial because the proposed venture, though economically sound locally, lacks national importance; it does not demonstrate impact beyond the immediate community or region required for a waiver.

Entrepreneur and fitness trainer seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver to lead corporate wellness company optimizing employer fitness programs. AAO dismissed because proposed endeavor lacks national importance; business projections and HUBZone location do not demonstrate broader economic impact or field implications.

A management and financial analyst sought an EB-2 national interest waiver for a business venture. The AAO dismissed her second motion to reopen and reconsider because she submitted no new facts or evidence, and her contentions reasserted already-rejected arguments without establishing legal or policy error in prior decisions.