Published AAO appeal decisions

Business intelligence analyst seeking national interest waiver claimed endeavor providing data analysis services to small and medium enterprises would benefit U.S. economy. AAO dismissed, finding proposed work lacked national importance because benefits were narrowly confined to individual client revenue improvement without broader field or economic implications.

Data processing professional sought NIW claiming advanced degree or exceptional ability. AAO dismissed because petitioner lacked foreign equivalent of U.S. advanced degree or baccalaureate degree, failed to demonstrate five years progressive post-baccalaureate experience, and met only two of three exceptional ability criteria required.

Data analytics specialist with advanced degree sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. The AAO found her proposed work lacked national importance because evidence did not show impact beyond her future employer and clients on the IT industry, data analytics field, or broader economy at national level.

Quantitative analytics researcher with Ph.D. in economics sought EB-2 national interest waiver to develop novel mathematical models for economic forecasting. AAO found substantial merit and national importance but concluded she lacked sufficient record of success and demonstrated positioning to advance the endeavor, failing the second Dhanasar prong.

A business data engineer sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming several evidentiary criteria after the service center found none met. The AAO accepted the judging criterion but found membership and original contributions unmet. It dismissed the appeal because the evidence did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing.

Statistician with twenty years experience seeking NIW for advanced degree EB-2 in data science and market research. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed work lacks projected economic impact or job creation sufficient to establish national importance under Dhanasar first prong.