Published AAO appeal decisions

An education researcher and assistant professor sought national interest waiver. The AAO found her research on remedial education had substantial merit and national importance, satisfying prong one. However, she failed prong two: her publications had minimal citations, no evidence of broader field impact, and no record of success in advancing the research, so no waiver was warranted.

A high school science teacher sought EB-2 NIW classification to teach in rural North Dakota. Under Dhanasar, the petitioner proved well-positioned to advance science education but failed to demonstrate national importance; the work's benefit was local or state-level. The appeal was dismissed for failing the first prong.