Outcome: Dismissed
AUG212025_01B2203
Our summary
A geologist self-petitioned for extraordinary ability classification. The AAO confirmed she met judging and scholarly articles criteria but failed on membership, original contributions, and leading role. Only two of three required criteria satisfied. No evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at the top of geology. Appeal 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
- Judging · SCOPS determined beneficiary satisfied judging criterion.
- Scholarly articles · SCOPS determined beneficiary satisfied authorship of scholarly articles criterion.
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Evidence insufficient to establish leading or critical role in organizations with distinguished reputation.
- Membership · AAPG and NAPE membership lacks evidence that organizations require outstanding achievements for membership.
- Original contributions · Proposed sample preparation technique and technical contributions lack sufficient evidence of major significance.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | SCOPS determined beneficiary satisfied judging criterion. | |
| Met | SCOPS determined beneficiary satisfied authorship of scholarly articles criterion. | |
| Not met | Evidence insufficient to establish leading or critical role in organizations with distinguished reputation. | |
| Not met | AAPG and NAPE membership lacks evidence that organizations require outstanding achievements for membership. | |
| Not met | Proposed sample preparation technique and technical contributions lack sufficient evidence of major significance. | |
| Not reached / not discussed | Only two criteria met; three required; final merits analysis reserved. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
