Published AAO appeal decisions

Civil engineer with foreign advanced degree seeking EB-2 national interest waiver for proposed dredging business. AAO found engineer qualifies for EB-2 but proposed endeavor lacks national importance because evidence shows only localized effects without broader field or regional implications required by Dhanasar framework.

A physician proposing to open a primary care clinic and research institute claimed national interest waiver eligibility. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the endeavor lacked national importance; projected economic benefits (21 jobs, $900,727 in taxes) were insufficient and research details too vague to establish impact beyond local clientele.

Social worker with master's degree seeking NIW for EB-2 classification for self-employment in social services. AAO held petitioner did not establish national importance, as projected job creation and field importance alone insufficient to demonstrate broader impact on social work profession.

A sales director seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver claimed ability to direct organizational sales teams and develop training programs. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the proposed endeavor lacks national importance as it would only affect individual partner companies without demonstrating substantial positive economic effects or broader field impact.

Technology professional with advanced degree seeks NIW. AAO reversed director's favorable second-prong finding and affirmed denial: applicant failed to provide sufficient detail on specific proposed endeavor; letters referenced past experience but not concrete U.S. business plans required for Dhanasar analysis.

A human resources and business development manager self-petitioner sought EB-2 national interest waiver for renewable energy work. The AAO dismissed the appeal: while conceding substantial merit and positioning, the record lacked evidence that the proposed endeavor had national importance or would impact the field beyond her company and clients.

Interior designer and entrepreneur seeking NIW for EB-2 classification to expand design business. AAO held petitioner failed to establish national importance of proposed endeavor despite demonstrating substantial merit and being well-positioned to advance it.

Entrepreneur with 18 years business experience sought NIW through company providing sales and revenue services to U.S. businesses. AAO dismissed appeal, finding no national importance; petitioner's professional network and expertise relate to second prong only, not to prospective impact beyond client-specific benefits.

Software and web developer with Brazilian bachelor's degree sought EB-2 advanced degree, exceptional ability, and NIW for malware detection AI platform. AAO affirmed denial: insufficient post-baccalaureate experience and unmet exceptional ability criteria; NIW not reached.

Entrepreneur seeking NIW for retail shoe store business with supply chain focus. AAO dismissed because petitioner failed to establish national importance: proposed sale of shoes lacked broader implications for supply chains at national level, and job creation projections did not demonstrate prospective economic effects commensurate with national importance.

Family relationship coach seeking NIW for EB-2. AAO held proposed endeavor lacks national importance despite having substantial merit and petitioner being well-positioned to advance it, because coaching families and training providers would not impact the field broadly as required by Dhanasar.

A petitioner sought EB-2 with national interest waiver for operating a water rescue training facility for law enforcement. AAO affirmed denial, finding the endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance. Petitioner failed to show broader industry impact or substantial economic effects beyond his own work.

A hairstylist sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification with national interest waiver. AAO dismissed the appeal because petitioner failed to meet the underlying EB-2 exceptional ability requirements, satisfying only two of six regulatory criteria. National interest waiver analysis was not reached.

School owner and educator seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver based on proposed consulting company. AAO held petitioner failed first Dhanasar prong because proposed endeavor lacks national importance; generalized education publications do not demonstrate broader implications required for eligibility.

A nurse seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver to operate a home health care business. Claimed endeavor would address nursing shortages and healthcare crisis. AAO dismissed, finding the specific endeavor lacked national importance and petitioner was not well-positioned to advance it due to inadequate funding demonstration.

Project manager with ERP and IT expertise sought NIW, claiming endeavor would streamline U.S. company operations. Advanced degree professional qualified for EB-2. AAO dismissed because proposed project management services lacked national importance; benefits would be employer-specific without broader industry impact or substantial positive economic effects.

Entrepreneur in business development seeks NIW under EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability for cellphone accessory business. AAO affirmed denial: business lacks national importance despite employment and tax projections; employment figures insufficient to show substantial impact on regional or national job creation.

A mountain climber and scout self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding he met only one of the ten evidentiary criteria (published materials) but not the required three minimum. Overall record did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or elite recognition.

Home health aide with foreign degree in biology and entomology sought EB-2 advanced degree classification and NIW. AAO affirmed denial: degree unrelated to specialty, insufficient progressive experience, and proposed endeavor lacks national importance beyond community scope.

Entrepreneur with advanced degree sought NIW to work as general operations manager in real estate. AAO found petitioner failed to establish the proposed endeavor has national importance and made conflicting statements about its focus. Appeal dismissed as petitioner did not adequately contest Director's adverse finding on first prong.

Medical researcher sought EB-2 with national interest waiver to write books and establish research institute. AAO dismissed, finding willful misrepresentation through plagiarized documents. Endeavor also lacked national importance; STEM field importance alone insufficient without broader impact demonstration.

Petitioner seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver based on claimed exceptional ability. AAO held petitioner failed to establish exceptional ability categorical eligibility and adopted director's finding that inconsistent representations obscured proposed endeavor nature, preventing evaluation of national interest.

Athletic training entrepreneur seeks EB-2 advanced degree professional with national interest waiver for specialized physical training firm. AAO found petitioner qualified for underlying EB-2 but failed first Dhanasar prong: proposed endeavor lacks national importance. Appeal dismissed.

Construction entrepreneur seeking EB-2 national interest waiver. Claimed two decades of business experience and economic ripple effects demonstrate national importance. AAO held that first prong focuses on proposed endeavor itself, not petitioner's skills or execution; no evidence of national importance or broader implications required.

A telecommunications engineer and electronics specialist proposed advancing telecommunications technology solutions. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner provided insufficient evidence of specific endeavor scope, failed to distinguish from existing solutions, and lacked expert letters demonstrating national implications distinct from general field importance.