Published AAO appeal decisions

Industrial engineer in lean production holding master's degree seeking EB-2 NIW. Claimed national importance based on job creation and support for domestic manufacturing and sustainability. AAO found endeavor substantively meritorious but lacked national importance; work limited to small client base without demonstrated broader implications in engineering or manufacturing fields.

Engineer and technologist sought NIW for EB-2 to research UAV aerodynamics for civilian applications. AAO dismissed; while endeavor has national importance, petitioner failed second prong: advanced degrees and engineer-in-training status insufficient without demonstrated success, progress, or relevant published research.

An aeronautical engineer holding an advanced degree sought EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO found him eligible for underlying EB-2 classification but concluded his proposed endeavor lacked national importance under Dhanasar's first prong, as his work benefited only his employer without demonstrating broader industry impact or significant U.S. employment potential. The appeal was dismissed.

Mechanical engineer seeking national interest waiver for EB-2 exceptional ability classification. Petitioner proposed either employment or founding consulting startup. AAO found proposed endeavor lacked specific national importance; generalized industry references insufficient under Dhanasar; appeal dismissed.

A mechanical engineer proposed to work in heavy equipment maintenance and repair. AAO dismissed the appeal because the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; it would impact only his customers and employers, not the automotive industry broadly, and showed no significant U.S. job creation or economic benefits.

Aircraft maintenance specialist sought EB-2 national interest waiver. Claimed endeavor has national importance through aviation industry support and safety. AAO dismissed appeal because specific proposed endeavor lacked demonstrated national importance or broad field impact beyond position.

Mechanical engineer seeking NIW under EB-2 proposing to establish maintenance services company. AAO found proposed endeavor lacks national importance; plan omits critical details on location, scope, employee count, and economic impact. Second-preference eligibility reserved. Appeal dismissed.

Aircraft maintenance consultant seeking NIW for aviation consulting business. Asserted endeavor would employ U.S. workers, advance aviation education, and support FAA and National Center for Advancement of Aviation objectives. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacked national importance despite alignment with national initiatives.

Aeronautical engineer seeking NIW for consulting work in aviation. Claimed substantial merit and national importance. AAO dismissed appeal, finding endeavor lacked demonstrated national importance because petitioner provided no documentation of specific impact beyond consulting clients or broader aviation field implications.

Engineer and drone operator sought NIW as EB-2 advanced degree professional. AAO affirmed denial, finding proposed endeavor lacked national importance. Evidence showed competence but no impact beyond employer or clients, nor field-wide advancement commensurate with national importance.

Industrial instrumentation specialist sought EB-2 advanced degree classification with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed, finding proposed endeavor of providing instrumentation services to manufacturing companies lacks national importance; benefits limited to specific employer and clients without broader field or economic impact.

A Colombian aviation mechanic sought EB-2 classification as person of exceptional ability with national interest waiver. The AAO found the petitioner met three evidentiary criteria but lacked exceptional ability in final merits determination; the proposed endeavor also lacked national importance, thus dismissing the appeal.

Industrial engineer seeks NIW to provide industrial engineering services domestically. AAO dismissed appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacks sufficient specificity and national importance because petitioner failed to identify the industry or field, provided only general claims, and did not demonstrate potential significant employment or economic effects.

Manufacturing engineering manager sought EB-2 NIW. AAO dismissed, holding that although petitioner qualifies as an advanced degree professional and is well positioned to advance the endeavor, it lacks national importance because it does not demonstrate sufficient prospective impact on the field or nation.

Aircraft mechanic and technician sought EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability classification with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed, finding proposed endeavor of working as aircraft interior technician lacks national importance; arguments regarding aviation industry importance do not establish specific endeavor's broader impact.

Aircraft mechanic sought EB-2 NIW classification. AAO held petitioner failed to establish national importance of his specific endeavor; performing typical occupational duties and industry growth projections do not demonstrate the required broader field impact or substantial economic effects.

An aircraft maintenance technician seeks EB-2 classification with a national interest waiver based on exceptional ability. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding the petitioner failed to demonstrate exceptional ability because his qualifications are typical for an experienced maintenance technician and he lacks recognition for achievements by the broader industry.

Mining technician seeking NIW for advanced-degree EB-2. AAO found petitioner failed to establish EB-2 underlying qualification and, separately, failed to demonstrate national importance of specific mining engineering services endeavor despite industry-wide significance. Appeal dismissed on both independent bases.

Industrial engineer with advanced degree seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver to establish engineering consulting business. AAO dismissed because proposed endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance—work benefits specific clients and supply chain but lacks broader industry impact required by Dhanasar.

Mechanical engineer seeks NIW for project management work through established company. AAO found EB-2 advanced degree eligibility unestablished due to unclear concurrent employment and insufficient experience documentation. Also held proposed endeavor lacks national importance without evidence of broader industry or supply chain impact.

Aircraft mechanic with sixteen years experience sought national interest waiver for EB-2 as individual of exceptional ability. AAO found applicant met three regulatory criteria but failed to demonstrate expertise significantly above ordinary level. Underlying EB-2 eligibility not established. Appeal dismissed.

Thermal R&D engineer with Ph.D. in mechanical engineering sought EB-2 advanced degree professional classification with NIW. AAO affirmed Director's finding that proposed research has substantial merit but lacks national importance. Letters and industry reports insufficient without specific evidence of broader field impact or national implications.

Manufacturing technician seeking EB-2 exceptional ability with NIW. AAO affirmed director's finding petitioner failed to establish advanced degree or meet three of six exceptional ability criteria; lacked sufficient experience documentation. NIW analysis not reached. Appeal dismissed.

A mechanical engineer seeks EB-2 national interest waiver to work as construction manager in oil and gas sector. The AAO found substantial merit but no national importance, as the work lacks prospective impact beyond the employer and clients to broader industry implications.

A mechanical engineer sought NIW classification for research on ocean energy conversion using vortex-induced vibration. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding the proposed research had substantial merit and national importance but the petitioner failed to demonstrate he was well-positioned to advance it despite his advanced degree.