Outcome: Remanded
APR272026_03B2203
Our summary
Self-petitioning floral designer with fifteen years of experience sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found she met three evidentiary criteria (awards, judging, exhibitions), satisfying the initial threshold. The decision withdrew SCOPS' denial and remanded for final merits determination on whether evidence establishes sustained acclaim placing her among the top percentage in floral design.
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
- Awards · Second-place award from Ukraine's national professional association for floral design qualified as nationally recognized award for excellence.
- Exhibitions · Record supported that petitioner displayed floral design work at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
- Judging · Record supported that petitioner participated as judge of work of others in field.
What was missing
Every criterion in the table was found met.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Second-place award from Ukraine's national professional association for floral design qualified as nationally recognized award for excellence. | |
| Met | Record supported that petitioner displayed floral design work at artistic exhibitions or showcases. | |
| Met | Record supported that petitioner participated as judge of work of others in field. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; criterion not discussed in available decision text. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; criterion not discussed in available decision text. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not fully analyzed; decision noted claim but did not reach it as three criteria already established. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; decision did not address petitioner's arguments on this criterion. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not fully analyzed; decision noted claim but did not reach it as three criteria already established. | |
| Not reached / not discussed | Remanded to SCOPS for final merits determination on sustained national or international acclaim and small percentage at top of field. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
