Published AAO appeal decisions

IT project manager and entrepreneur seeks NIW for consulting and training business in Florida. Petitioner claimed national importance through STEM workforce development alignment and employment creation. AAO dismissed, finding endeavor lacks demonstrated impact beyond individual clients in large competitive industry.

Industrial and organizational psychologist with U.S. master's degree seeks NIW for EB-2. Claimed her work reducing corporate burnout and improving employee engagement has national importance. AAO held the specific endeavor lacks national importance because it would not extend beyond individual companies to impact the field broadly.

Ophthalmologist seeking EB-2 NIW for clinical refractive and cataract surgery practice. Petitioner established advanced degree and substantial merit but failed to show national importance, as proposed work would affect only individual patients and employers, not ophthalmology field broadly.

CEO seeks EB-2 NIW for stationery, visual communication, and digital printing company. Petitioner claimed exceptional ability and national interest waiver. AAO dismissed because the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; working in an important industry and general business optimization arguments were insufficient without specific evidence of U.S. economic impact.

Cloud infrastructure engineer sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacks national importance. The work would only benefit a specific employer and would not impact the field broadly, failing the first Dhanasar prong.