EB-1AHealthcare, clinicalIndividualDecided April 2026Remanded
Outcome: Remanded
APR282026_06B2203
JudgingMetPublished materialMetScholarly articlesMetAwardsNot metLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A pediatric cardiologist seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. SCOPS found only two criteria met; AAO reversed on published material, establishing three criteria. The threshold satisfied, AAO remands for final merits determination evaluating sustained national or international acclaim and whether petitioner ranks among the very top in the field.
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
- Judging · SCOPS found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed
- Published material · AAO reversed SCOPS; published material in professional media relating to petitioner's work established
- Scholarly articles · SCOPS found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed
What was missing
- Awards · No major internationally recognized award established
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | SCOPS found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed |
 Published material | Met | AAO reversed SCOPS; published material in professional media relating to petitioner's work established |
 Scholarly articles | Met | SCOPS found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed |
 Awards | Not met | No major internationally recognized award established |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but AAO did not reach; three criteria met so analysis unnecessary |
 Original contributions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not fully analyzed as distinct criterion |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | SCOPS denied before reaching final merits; AAO remands for final merits determination on totality of evidence |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.