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.

Sixth-grade math teacher with computer science degree seeks EB-2 NIW for teaching and special education endeavor. AAO found proposed endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance, being limited to local school district. Appeal dismissed on first prong failure.

Elementary special education teacher sought NIW for EB-2 classification. AAO acknowledged merit of proposed instructional model but found no evidence of national importance or broader field impact, dismissing appeal under Dhanasar framework.

A special education teacher sought a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification under Dhanasar. The AAO affirmed dismissal because her proposed work, while meritorious, lacks national importance beyond her individual institution and does not affect the broader field of special education.

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.