Published AAO appeal decisions

Data scientist with master's degree in computational science proposes NIW for research on ethical AI frameworks. SCOPS determined substantial merit existed but national importance not shown. AAO affirmed, finding insufficient evidence that proposed endeavor rises to national importance level; did not address remaining Dhanasar prongs.

Software engineer with master's degree seeking NIW for cybersecurity work. AAO affirmed SCOPS finding that proposed endeavor lacks national importance under Dhanasar first prong because work limited to employer, not advancing broader industry. Appeal dismissed without reaching second and third prongs.

Oracle technical consultant seeking national interest waiver for EB-2 advanced degree petition. Petitioner qualified for underlying EB-2 but failed to establish endeavor's national importance; company would benefit individual clients and SMBs without demonstrating broader field, regional, or national impact required by Dhanasar.

A research scientist self-petitioned for EB-2 national interest waiver based on her proposed machine learning and single-cell RNA research. The AAO dismissed because the proposed endeavor lacked demonstrated national importance beyond the importance of the field itself. The record provided only generalized information and publication citations unrelated to the specific endeavor's broader impact.

A public health informatics fellow sought EB-2 NIW classification for self-petitioned waiver. The applicant held an advanced degree but failed to demonstrate national importance of the specific proposed endeavor in the Dhanasar first prong. The appeal was dismissed without addressing other prongs.

A petitioner in cybersecurity and IT governance filed a motion to reopen a dismissed NIW petition. The AAO dismissed the motion, finding the new executive orders and strategic documents did not establish new facts warranting reconsideration, as they did not address errors in prior dismissals or demonstrate changed circumstances.

A staff product manager with advanced degree sought NIW for privacy-centric advertising work. AAO dismissed because the petitioner failed to establish that her specific endeavor had national importance beyond her employer's operations, lacking evidence of industry adoption, technology transfer, or broader societal or economic impact.

A computer scientist developing driver monitoring technology sought EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor, though meritorious, lacks national importance because the record does not establish broader prospective impact beyond the employer or adoption by other manufacturers.

Technology entrepreneur with advanced degree seeks NIW for AI-driven cognitive decision support tools for aerospace and aviation. AAO withdrew director's finding on national importance prong, agreeing technology aligns with government priorities. However, petitioner failed to demonstrate record of success as executive or sufficient qualification to lead endeavor as CEO/CTO.

A graduate research and teaching assistant in computer science sought an EB-2 national interest waiver for AI research in medical diagnostics. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding he did not satisfy the second Dhanasar prong because he lacked adequate graduate credentials, strong publication records, secured research positions, or demonstrated funding.

Software engineer proposed AI and machine learning voice biometrics authentication system as self-petitioner for national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal because the specific endeavor lacked sufficient national importance, finding alignment with government initiatives and field importance alone insufficient without concrete economic impact projections.

A telecommunications engineer seeking EB-2 classification with national interest waiver claimed his endeavor would involve the BEAD broadband program. The AAO dismissed the appeal, holding the proposed endeavor lacked sufficient specificity and detail about what activities he actually intended to undertake, making it impossible to assess national importance.

Employer sponsored beneficiary for EB-2 national interest waiver in product analytics using AI and machine learning. AAO found substantial merit but rejected national importance claim, holding that working in STEM or shortage occupations alone insufficient without broader prospective impacts to national economy.

AI technology company petitioned for O-1A classification of chief technology officer. Beneficiary met only one criterion (judging); awards, membership, and published material criteria were not satisfied. Appeal dismissed because beneficiary could not meet minimum three criteria requirement for extraordinary ability.

IT specialist specializing in national security sought EB-2 with national interest waiver for an endeavor to improve digital security and IT management practices across U.S. sectors. The AAO dismissed, finding the petitioner's expertise and past accomplishments do not establish the proposed endeavor's national importance; the work would not sufficiently impact the field beyond prospective customers.

Cybersecurity specialist seeks NIW to establish consulting company as CEO. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance of proposed endeavor, lacking evidence the company would operate at scale or have broader implications for cybersecurity industry despite cybersecurity being government priority.

Machine learning engineer employed at social media company seeking NIW for EB-2. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite working in valuable AI field; petitioner's specific work on user engagement lacks broader implications. Appeal dismissed.

A network security architect employed by an IT services company sought EB-2 NIW classification. The petitioner proposed developing network architecture solutions addressing cyber threats but failed to establish national importance. The AAO held that personal expertise and industry significance do not substitute for demonstrating the specific endeavor's prospective national impact.

Automobile company petitioned for enterprise connectivity systems engineer beneficiary with master's degree, EB-2 advanced degree professional with NIW. AAO upheld denial, finding proposed work lacks national importance beyond employer; focused on specific endeavor, not field importance.

A systems engineer in education technology sought extraordinary ability classification for developing an e-learning platform. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner satisfied only two of ten required criteria and failed to establish original contributions of major significance in the field.

IT professional with advanced degree sought NIW under EB-2 for STEM research. AAO found first two Dhanasar prongs met but dismissed because petitioner demonstrated ability to secure employment and failed to establish that national interest was urgent enough to waive labor certification requirement.

Computer science researcher sought EB-2 NIW. Petitioner qualified as advanced degree professional and proposed AI and mental health research. AAO dismissed, finding petitioner not well-positioned under Dhanasar prong two; publication and citation rates unexceptional relative to field, and insufficient evidence of progress or sustained interest in proposed endeavor.

IT manager of exceptional ability sought EB-2 NIW. AAO affirmed failure to establish underlying EB-2 exceptional ability classification (missing three regulatory criteria) and held proposed endeavor lacks national importance; first Dhanasar prong unmet, waiver denied.

Blockchain engineer seeking EB-2 NIW classification for exceptional ability. Failed to satisfy at least three of six regulatory criteria for exceptional ability, including membership in professional associations, salary evidence, and recognition for significant contributions to industry. Underlying EB-2 eligibility not established.

A computer vision engineer with Master's in electrical and computer engineering sought national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. AAO found proposed AI research had substantial merit and national importance but concluded petitioner lacked sufficient record of success, detailed plan, or financial means to advance the endeavor.