Dhanasar Prong 1 — merit and national importance of the proposed endeavor
In Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016), USCIS adopted a framework requiring that the foreign national’s proposed endeavor have both substantial merit and national importance. The decision explains that substantial merit may be shown in a range of areas—including business, entrepreneurship, science, technology, culture, health, or education—without requiring proof of immediate or quantifiable economic impact, though such evidence may help.
National importance is broader than geographic scope alone. USCIS may consider the endeavor’s potential prospective impact, for example on a field, public health, the environment, U.S. competitiveness, or society, rather than limiting the analysis to a single locality or one employer’s needs.
The proposed endeavor is distinct from a mere job description; it is the plan of what you will do in the United States that advances an objective of national significance.
Officers assess whether the endeavor is coherent, credible, and substantial in quality—not trivial or purely personal—and whether its importance extends beyond routine local or firm-specific benefit. After January 2022 policy updates, STEM work—especially in critical and emerging technologies, public health, or areas tied to U.S. economic or security interests—may be highlighted as examples of fields where merit and importance are often easier to contextualize, though each case remains fact-specific.
Strong petitions define the endeavor clearly (what problem is solved, who benefits, what stage the work is in), anchor claims in objective sources (grants, patents, publications, adoption metrics, regulatory filings, media, contracts), and explain why the work matters nationally even if some activities are regional in execution.
Strong Evidence
Weak Evidence
Common RFE Triggers
Pro Tips
Grant awards, peer-reviewed publications, patent filings or grants, press articles, technical whitepapers or regulatory submissions, business plans (summary + corroborating exhibits), contracts or LOIs, conference programs showing invited talks, Recommendation Letter and Expert Opinion Letter (field-specific), CV, and Other objective proof of adoption or impact.