Published AAO appeal decisions

A martial arts coach sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver under Dhanasar. AAO dismissed, finding the proposed endeavor as a coach and trainer lacked sufficient evidence of substantial merit and national importance, failing the first prong of the framework.

Athletic trainer qualified as individual of exceptional ability but sought national interest waiver for fitness startup company. AAO found proposed endeavor lacks national importance; hiring eleven workers and local client services insufficient to demonstrate broader implications required by Dhanasar framework.

Self-petitioning pilot seeks NIW as EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability professional. Failed to qualify for underlying EB-2 classification (only two of six criteria met). AAO dismissed; pilot work as proposed lacks substantial merit and national importance; endeavor insufficiently documented and explained.

Taekwondo athlete and coach claiming NIW under EB-2. Petitioner asserted exceptional ability under multiple criteria; Director found only one met. On appeal, insufficient arguments and evidence to overcome exceptional ability finding. NIW claim failed at first Dhanasar prong: proposed endeavor lacks national importance. Appeal dismissed.

A gymnastics coach sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification with a national interest waiver. The AAO affirmed that while the coach qualified for EB-2 and was well positioned to advance the endeavor, the proposed coaching lacked national importance because its impact was limited to specific gymnasts and a local setting rather than affecting the gymnastics field broadly.

Dance competitor and instructor sought exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. AAO dismissed, finding proposed endeavor lacks national importance because competitive participation and instruction would not impact the field broadly, offer substantial job creation, or provide meaningful economic effects.

A weightlifter with exceptional ability seeks NIW for EB-2. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to provide specific proposed endeavor at filing; general intent to work in weightlifting lacks national importance and substantial merit as required.