Published AAO appeal decisions

Athletic trainer seeking EB-2 with NIW for physical rehabilitation services. AAO held petitioner qualified for advanced degree classification but proposed endeavor lacks national importance; specific services limited to individual clients without broader economic or field-wide impact. Appeal dismissed.

A pediatrician intending to work as a registered nurse in the U.S. sought EB-2 NIW classification, claiming she would improve healthcare for Latin populations in areas with nursing shortages. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding her direct patient care lacked national importance and broader field impact despite substantial merit.

A dental professional seeking EB-2 with NIW submitted evidence of dental care shortages and professional publications. The AAO upheld dismissal, holding the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; professional attributes and field importance do not establish the specific endeavor's prospective impact.

Physical therapist with advanced degree sought EB-2 and NIW for proposed U.S. employment. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to establish national importance; treating individual patients at one facility without demonstrated field advances lacks requisite national impact despite substantive merit.

Veterinary sonographer sought NIW under EB-2 with job offer. AAO dismissed the appeal because the proposed endeavor of providing veterinary sonography services lacks national importance; it only benefits individual pet owners rather than impacting the veterinary field broadly or the national economy.

An employer sponsored a radiation oncology physician for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The beneficiary met judging and scholarly articles criteria but failed membership and published material criteria. Original contributions not shown to have major significance. Extraordinary ability sustained acclaim was not established. Appeal dismissed.

Physical therapist working for major league soccer team sought EB-2 NIW. Claimed teaching and mentoring activities had national importance. AAO found substantial merit but no national importance: individual work lacks prospective impact beyond employer; no evidence of field-wide advancement or economic effects.