Published AAO appeal decisions

Film and animation director sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. AAO affirmed advanced degree qualification but dismissed appeal, holding proposed endeavor failed to demonstrate national importance; cultural significance of intended television and film projects insufficient without evidence of prospective impact.

Photography director with sixteen years experience sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner lacked exceptional ability and proposed endeavor failed to satisfy Dhanasar's first prong requiring substantial merit and national importance.

Communications specialist in film and television seeking EB-2 with NIW. Qualified for EB-2 advanced degree category. AAO found proposed work has substantial merit but not national importance; a single communications specialist's benefits too limited to advance field or boost economy nationally.

Film director/editor seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver initially proposed teaching cinematic arts, then shifted to establishing a business teaching film production. AAO dismissed because material change to proposed endeavor was impermissible; original endeavor lacked sufficient detail to analyze national importance.