Published AAO appeal decisions

Entrepreneur sought EB-2 exceptional ability and NIW. AAO affirmed no advanced degree, found academic record but only one of six exceptional ability criteria met, insufficient for classification threshold. NIW analysis reserved as applicant ineligible for underlying EB-2 category.

An entrepreneur owning pizza restaurant chains sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed the appeal, affirming the director's denial; though the endeavor had substantial merit and job creation potential, it failed to demonstrate national importance as required under Dhanasar framework.

A hospitality entrepreneur and bar professional sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming eight criteria. The Director accepted two, judging and leading role. The AAO agreed on those two but found the awards criterion unmet and deemed scholarly articles waived. It concluded that three criteria were not satisfied and that sustained acclaim was not shown.

Retail entrepreneur seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. Claimed three Dhanasar prongs but submitted only general professional plan without specific U.S. business establishment plans. AAO dismissed, finding substantial merit established but national importance not demonstrated, failing first prong. Second and third prongs not reached.

Entrepreneur and business executive sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Met only one of three required criteria (published material about him). AAO rejected awards, membership, judging, and leading role claims. No major recognized award. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet initial evidentiary threshold.

An entrepreneur seeking EB-2 with NIW for an environmentally friendly cleaning products company in Florida claimed nineteen years of experience and unique expertise. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; it would not impact the industry broadly or substantially employ U.S. workers.

Entrepreneur with master's degree in business administration seeking EB-2 national interest waiver to own and operate trucking company. AAO dismissed appeal, finding substantial merit established but national importance not demonstrated; business impact limited to company clients without broader industry or economy-wide effects.

Self-employed entrepreneur proposing pet sitting, boarding, and dog walking services sought NIW under EB-2. AAO found the petitioner qualified as advanced degree professional but dismissed the appeal because the proposed endeavor lacks national importance, benefiting only a narrow customer base rather than the nation broadly.

Entrepreneur in real estate services sought EB-2 exceptional ability with national interest waiver. AAO held proposed endeavor lacked national importance; petitioner did not demonstrate prospective impact beyond his company or significant potential to employ workers or provide substantial positive economic effects nationally.

An entrepreneur sought EB-2 exceptional ability or advanced degree classification with a national interest waiver. The Director denied him because he lacked an advanced degree, and the Dhanasar framework was not satisfied. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner did not dispute the Director's findings and the appeal waived all three prongs; the AAO declined to reach exceptional ability arguments.