EB-1ASoftware engineeringEmployerDecided April 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR232020_10B2203
High salaryMetOriginal contributionsMetLeading or critical roleNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A software engineer at a self-driving vehicle company sought EB-1A classification. The petitioner claimed original contributions, leading role, and high salary. The AAO found only two criteria met (contributions and salary); the leading role claim failed because project leadership does not equal organizational leadership. The appeal was dismissed.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
What the AAO accepted
- High salary · Director found criterion satisfied; decision does not disturb this finding.
- Original contributions · Director found criterion satisfied; decision does not disturb this finding.
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Central role in projects does not constitute leading or critical role at organization level.
- Final merits · Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top of field status.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 High salary | Met | Director found criterion satisfied; decision does not disturb this finding. |
 Original contributions | Met | Director found criterion satisfied; decision does not disturb this finding. |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Central role in projects does not constitute leading or critical role at organization level. |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top of field status. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.