Published AAO appeal decisions

A global financial services company petitioned for an NIW for a beneficiary developing AI and machine learning solutions. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary's work, though valuable to the employer, lacked broader industry implications necessary to establish national importance under Dhanasar's first prong.

Financial manager with advanced degree sought NIW for employment in banking sector with proposed use of blockchain and AI technologies. AAO found substantial merit in the field but concluded the petitioner failed to demonstrate national importance of her specific endeavor, lacking evidence of broader industry impact, employment potential, or substantial economic effects.

Financial technology company petitions for beneficiary in fintech as extraordinary ability immigrant. Claimed six criteria; director found two met. AAO finds three criteria satisfied: judging, leading role, and scholarly articles via comparable evidence of trade show presentations. Matter remanded for final merits analysis on sustained acclaim.

An international banking and finance professional sought EB-2 with national interest waiver for a financial literacy and regulatory compliance consulting firm. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding that despite substantial merit, the endeavor lacks national importance because local economic benefits and job creation do not meet the substantial positive economic effects standard.

Entrepreneur proposing a financial consulting services company in Florida claiming national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite substantial merit; revenue projections and job creation figures insufficient to demonstrate significant prospective impact regionally or nationally.

Financial analyst holding advanced degree sought EB-2 national interest waiver for financial consulting business serving immigrants. AAO held proposed endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance; business plan lacks probative evidence of significant projected economic impact or job creation.