Published AAO appeal decisions

Business development manager seeks NIW under EB-2 to create social networking platform enhancing local small business interactions. AAO dismissed, finding substantial merit but insufficient evidence of national importance; hiring four employees and claimed mental health benefits lack broader field implications.

Software developer and entrepreneur sought EB-2 with national interest waiver to establish software automation services firm in Florida. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed business lacked national importance because petitioner provided only unsupported assertions and business projections without demonstrating broader industry impact or substantial economic effects beyond serving individual clients.

Software engineer with master's in computer science sought EB-2 NIW for developing secure healthcare software. AAO held endeavor lacked national importance despite alignment with federal priorities, and petitioner not well-positioned without demonstrated interest from relevant parties or detailed plans.

Software developer sought NIW with advanced degree. Proposed autonomous vehicle safety research. AAO found petitioner not well positioned to advance proposed endeavor under Dhanasar second prong: master's degree and citations insufficient without prior funding, government interest, or validated model comparable to Dhanasar precedent. First and third prongs reserved.

Software developer with advanced degree sought national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed software development lacked national importance; generalized publications about cybersecurity importance, vague hiring projections, and absence of documented specific endeavor impact insufficient.