Published AAO appeal decisions

Business owner sought NIW to produce non-GMO fruit preserves. Qualified for underlying EB-2 advanced degree classification. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to demonstrate endeavor has national importance independent of alignment with governmental agricultural priorities; small local operation with fifteen projected employees lacked demonstrable broader economic or industry impact.

Entrepreneur in agricultural technology with advanced degree sought EB-2 with national interest waiver for platform-based operational model. AAO dismissed appeal, finding endeavor lacks national importance because petitioner did not demonstrate impact beyond business and future clients to the field more broadly.

An entrepreneur seeking EB-2 national interest waiver proposed developing zeolite-based fertilizers, filters, and supplements for agriculture and energy sectors. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence that his specific endeavor would have national importance or broad field impact beyond promotional materials and general letters.

An agribusiness CEO sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed a motion to reconsider, affirming that the petitioner failed to establish national importance because his updated business plan remained uncorroborated and lacked evidence of broader field implications beyond his clients.

Veterinarian entrepreneur seeks EB-2 national interest waiver to establish rural veterinary services firm in New York. Proposed providing affordable livestock veterinary care and food safety services. AAO found endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance; projected employment and revenue insufficient to demonstrate impact beyond local clients.

An entomology professor with a Ph.D. in medical entomology seeks an EB-2 national interest waiver for research on German cockroach insecticide resistance. AAO held the proposed endeavor lacks the specific detail, novelty, and documented potential for broad impact required to establish national importance under Dhanasar's first prong.