Published AAO appeal decisions

Software developer holding advanced degree sought national interest waiver for EB-2 self-employment endeavor. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacked national importance under Dhanasar framework; specific undertaking failed to demonstrate broader implications beyond local clients and business.

Software developer sought EB-2 NIW for property management software endeavor. AAO held the proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite substantial merit because petitioner failed to show specific prospective impact, economic benefits, or job creation, relying instead on general industry importance.

Computer software engineer seeking NIW for EB-2 advanced degree classification. Claimed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance through QA testing and instructor roles. AAO dismissed appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacks nationally significant impact and petitioner failed to establish first Dhanasar prong.

Software developer sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. Claimed software engineering work for US company had substantial merit and national importance. AAO held proposed endeavor lacked specificity and national importance; no prospective impact beyond employer and clients; first prong of Dhanasar failed.

A software engineer with ten years of experience sought an EB-2 national interest waiver for work in cloud security and big data analytics. The AAO affirmed denial, finding his proposed endeavor lacked national importance because he provided no specific evidence of prospective impact extending beyond his own company or immediate clients to the broader industry or economy.

Software quality assurance engineer seeking EB-2 with NIW. AAO held proposed IT endeavor lacks national importance; merely working in STEM field without demonstrating specific technology advancement or broader impact insufficient. Appeal dismissed.