Published AAO appeal decisions

Mental health organization petitioned for group facilitator and case manager claiming three Dhanasar prongs. AAO dismissed, finding record does not establish national importance because benefits appear limited to individual clients without broader field or regional economic implications beyond individual treatment.

Regional sales manager seeks NIW for continued sales management work improving team performance and cross-border transactions. AAO dismissed appeal, finding endeavor lacks national importance; proposed work shows no particular process improvement, and benefits would be limited to employer and clients.

Aircraft marketing company sponsoring aircraft design engineer for EB-2 national interest waiver. Beneficiary would perform engineering on passenger-to-ambulance and passenger-to-freight aircraft conversions. AAO affirmed denial, finding endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance because record does not show broader industry implications, specific employment details, or sufficient positive economic effects beyond company operations.

A chemical engineer sought an NIW under EB-2. The AAO dismissed the appeal because she failed to establish national importance under Dhanasar's first prong. Her proposed endeavor—providing chemical engineering services across multiple industries—lacked specificity and demonstrated no substantial positive economic effects or potential to employ U.S. workers beyond individual employers.

Healthcare professional with advanced degree sought NIW for dental, nutrition, and home healthcare services. AAO dismissed appeal, finding no sufficient evidence that proposed endeavor has national importance, substantial positive economic effects, or significant job creation potential.

Chief financial officer sought NIW as EB-2 member of professions with advanced degree. Petitioner proposed general CFO work to improve company financial health but did not specify employer or demonstrate how work would impact US financial sector broadly. AAO affirmed denial, finding no established national importance of the specific endeavor.

A nutritionist with advanced degree sought a national interest waiver. The AAO found her proposed work providing general nutrition consulting lacks national importance under Dhanasar, as it does not impact the broader field or create substantial U.S. economic benefits.

Financial manager with advanced degree seeks national interest waiver for EB-2. AAO held waiver claim fails at first prong: proposed financial manager work lacks sufficient national importance because it lacks documented prospective impact beyond specific employers or broader economic effects commensurate with national significance.

International tax advisor petitioner sought national interest waiver. AAO found petitioner qualified for advanced degree classification but dismissed appeal, concluding proposed tax advisory services lacked national importance under Dhanasar's first prong; work limited to private clients without broader economic or field impact.

A nutritionist employed by a state health department on federally funded WIC programs sought a national interest waiver. The AAO found her proposed work lacked national importance because it affected only direct clients, did not advance the nutrition field broadly, and showed no substantial economic effects, dismissing the appeal under Dhanasar's first prong.

Mechanical engineer employed by company seeks national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. Petitioner claimed his mechanical engineering work for automotive manufacturers would have national importance. AAO dismissed appeal, finding insufficient evidence that the specific proposed endeavor has national importance or substantial economic effects, failing the first Dhanasar prong.

Business owner entrepreneur seeking national interest waiver to waive job offer requirement for EB-2 classification. Claimed endeavor in business administration had substantial merit and petitioner was well positioned to advance it, but proposed work lacked evidence of national importance, particularly regarding U.S. worker employment potential. Appeal dismissed.

An individual claiming advanced degree status as a physician sought an EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO found insufficient evidence of medical licensure in the United States and noted material inconsistencies in the proposed endeavor, changing from physician to epidemiologist between filing and responses, preventing clear Dhanasar analysis.

Self-petitioner and business owner in logistics and supply chain management. Established advanced degree eligibility but sought national interest waiver. AAO dismissed, finding proposed business endeavor, though meritorious, lacks national importance as required by first Dhanasar prong; no broader field or substantial economic impact demonstrated.

A cardiologist and director seeking NIW under EB-2 claimed substantial merit and national importance for clinical work, teaching, and leadership. AAO found substantial merit but not national importance; clinical impact limited to individual workplace. Petitioner also failed to demonstrate being well positioned to advance endeavor.

An engineer employed at a semiconductor tool manufacturer seeks a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification. He proposed to continue research and development of proprietary tools in his specialized field. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding his work lacks national importance because evidence does not show broader implications beyond his employer's operations or demonstrate significant potential to employ U.S. workers.

Business manager with advanced degree sought national interest waiver for EB-2 claiming endeavor to improve U.S. business structures and profitability. AAO found he was well positioned to advance but proposed endeavor lacked sufficient national importance specificity, failing first Dhanasar prong and rendering waiver ineligible.

Mechanical engineer with Ph.D. seeking EB-2 national interest waiver. Petitioner held advanced degree but failed to establish substantial merit and national importance of proposed endeavor under Dhanasar framework. AAO dismissed because petitioner did not differentiate proposed research from past work or demonstrate prospective impact.

A nonprofit executive sought EB-2 exceptional ability and national interest waiver. The AAO affirmed that he did not meet exceptional ability criteria. On NIW review under Dhanasar, the decision found the first prong failed because his proposed nonprofit management work lacked sufficient detail to demonstrate national importance beyond organizational level activities.

A dental surgeon with advanced degree sought EB-2 classification and national interest waiver. While qualified as advanced degree professional, the AAO agreed with the Director that the proposed endeavor lacked national importance under the first Dhanasar prong because the offered administrative position was unrelated to dental research and expansion plans lacked documented national economic impact.

A physician seeking EB-2 classification with NIW qualification proposed medical research combined with clinical practice. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner failed the first Dhanasar prong: the proposed endeavor lacked sufficient national importance, with vague research intentions and minimal documentation insufficient to distinguish from ordinary practice.

Physical therapist entrepreneur qualified for advanced degree classification but sought national interest waiver. AAO found proposed endeavor lacked national importance; projected employment of 10-14 workers and local benefits insufficient; shortage in field does not establish national importance.

Agricultural business director with advanced degree sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. Service center qualified petitioner for advanced degree but denied waiver. Petitioner argued proposed endeavor part of sustainable farming initiative with national importance. AAO found proposed business lacked national importance under Dhanasar first prong and dismissed appeal.

A mechanical engineer with advanced degree sought NIW for HVAC engineering work. The AAO affirmed denial because her proposed work lacked sufficient national importance under Dhanasar's first prong; it would not impact the field broadly beyond her employer and clients.

Senior research associate with advanced degree in medical data statistics sought NIW for EB-2. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed research had national importance but petitioner failed to demonstrate being well positioned to advance it despite citations and peer review work.