NIW Bearings
dismissedMAY062024_03B52032024-05-06 · appeal · Nebraska Service Center

This is an AAO appeal decision — a case denied once and appealed. It shows how the framework is applied; it is not the filing population.

The Petitioner, an architect and urban planner, proposed to provide architectural consulting and interior design services through her own firm, focused on sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions in Florida.

Field: architecture and urban planning · Read the decision (uscis.gov)

EB-2 threshold — addressed

Director already found she qualifies as an advanced degree professional based on bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience; not disputed on appeal.

Prong 1 — national importanceestablished

Prong 2 — well positionednot established · dispositive

the letters do not provide specific examples indicating that the Petitioner's work has impacted the field.
Ms. does not describe the Petitioner's contributions to the field of architecture and design.
Mr. does not name or describe any of the Petitioner's projects, nor does he explain how the Petitioner's regional and local accomplishments have impacted the field
she has not shown that this work renders her well-positioned to advance her specific proposed endeavor as an architect and design consultant
the business plan does not describe the Petitioner's plans for obtaining a license to practice her profession in Florida
The record lacks evidence of interest from public administration or agencies involved in urban planning

AAO decision text

How the evidence was treated

  • recommendation letter · discounted
    does not provide specific examples indicating that the Petitioner's work has impacted the field
    AAO decision text
  • business plan · discounted
    does not describe the Petitioner's plans for obtaining a license to practice her profession
    AAO decision text
  • resume experience · credited
  • degree · credited

Where this case turned

  • Business plan speculative · p2projections without a documented basis or steps
  • Letters conclusory · p2letters praise skills in general terms without tracing specific impact
  • Letters not independent · p2letters come from employers and close collaborators, not independent experts
  • No progress evidence · p2no documented movement toward the endeavor since filing
  • Record of success insufficient · p2a claimed track record the documents do not establish
  • Derivative of Prong 1/2 failure · p3prong three fails only because prongs one or two did — no independent ground
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Authorities this decision leans on

From the doctrinal survivor set — 187 authority tests across 47 distinct authorities cleared the differential-lift gates. Only those appear here.

  • 8 C.F.R. 103.3
  • 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(2)
  • Flores v. Garland
  • INA 203(b)(2)

Cases in adjacent profiles