Published AAO appeal decisions

Film and animation director sought EB-2 with national interest waiver. AAO affirmed advanced degree qualification but dismissed appeal, holding proposed endeavor failed to demonstrate national importance; cultural significance of intended television and film projects insufficient without evidence of prospective impact.

A musician who runs music workshops for children sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification together with a national interest waiver. The AAO adopted the Director's findings that none of the regulatory criteria were satisfied, citing insufficient corroboration, and dismissed the appeal, reserving the Dhanasar waiver analysis as unnecessary.

Photography director with sixteen years experience sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner lacked exceptional ability and proposed endeavor failed to satisfy Dhanasar's first prong requiring substantial merit and national importance.

Communications specialist in film and television seeking EB-2 with NIW. Qualified for EB-2 advanced degree category. AAO found proposed work has substantial merit but not national importance; a single communications specialist's benefits too limited to advance field or boost economy nationally.

A film content creator sought NIW for EB-2 as individual of exceptional ability. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner met only one of six required criteria for exceptional ability, failing to establish underlying EB-2 eligibility; NIW Dhanasar prongs reserved.

Film and television producer sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification and national interest waiver. AAO affirmed service center denial, finding petitioner met only two of six regulatory criteria for exceptional ability; letters lacked specific detail on recognition and awards lacked nexus to petitioner's contributions.

An audio-video editor, filmmaker, and producer sought EB-2 and NIW. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to establish eligibility for EB-2 classification, lacking adequate credentials evaluation and not meeting the advanced degree or exceptional ability requirements.