Published AAO appeal decisions

An attorney specializing in environmental and energy law sought EB-2 national interest waiver. The AAO found substantial merit in the proposed endeavor but concluded the petitioner failed to establish national importance under Dhanasar's first prong; recommendation letters addressed past work rather than the specific prospective endeavor details required.

A dentist/manager sought EB-2 national interest waiver to open a dental practice and mobile services in Florida. The AAO affirmed the director's finding that while the petitioner qualified as advanced degree professional, the proposed endeavor lacked national importance; serving specific patients and markets did not demonstrate broader field or economic impact.

Architectural project manager seeking national interest waiver. Director found substantial merit but denied on national importance grounds. AAO affirmed; petitioner failed to demonstrate proposed work would extend beyond employer and clients or offer innovations advancing the architectural or engineering fields.

Financial manager sought NIW as EB-2 member of professions with advanced degree. Petitioner proposed work advising on financial investments and capital allocation. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence that proposed endeavor would impact the financial field or nation's economy broadly or create substantial US employment.

A well control instructor sought EB-2 classification with national interest waiver. The AAO found the petitioner qualified as an advanced degree professional and that the proposed endeavor had substantial merit, but the specific work lacked national importance beyond the employer and its contractors.

A financial manager seeks NIW under EB-2. He claimed his proposed endeavor had substantial merit and national importance. The AAO found substantial merit but not national importance because his work would not extend beyond his employer to impact the financial services field more broadly.

An aeronautical engineer sought a national interest waiver for EB-2 classification to advise aviation manufacturers. The AAO dismissed the appeal because his proposed specific endeavor lacked demonstrated national importance despite his expertise and credentials, failing to show sufficient prospective impact on the aviation industry.

Global supply chain director seeks NIW to work with small U.S. companies serving the aerospace sector. Petitioner claimed proposed endeavor has national importance. AAO affirmed denial, finding the specific endeavor lacks national importance; economic benefits limited to particular employers or clients without broader field implications.