EB-1AChemistry and materialsIndividualDecided December 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
DEC162025_02B2203
JudgingMetScholarly articlesMetAwardsNot metExhibitionsNot metHigh salaryNot metOriginal contributionsNot metPublished materialNot metFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Materials scientist petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She met judging and scholarly articles criteria but failed to satisfy three additional criteria or hold a major award, thus lacking initial evidence requirements. AAO dismissed the motion to reopen and reconsider because petitioner presented no new facts warranting reconsideration.
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 · Decision states petitioner meets criterion for participation as judge of others' work in field.
- Scholarly articles · Decision states petitioner meets criterion for authorship of scholarly articles in field.
What was missing
- Awards · Petitioner did not receive major internationally recognized award; initial requirement not satisfied.
- Exhibitions · Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria.
- High salary · Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria.
- Original contributions · Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria.
- Published material · Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Decision states petitioner meets criterion for participation as judge of others' work in field. |
 Scholarly articles | Met | Decision states petitioner meets criterion for authorship of scholarly articles in field. |
 Awards | Not met | Petitioner did not receive major internationally recognized award; initial requirement not satisfied. |
 Exhibitions | Not met | Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria. |
 High salary | Not met | Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria. |
 Published material | Not met | Claimed on appeal but AAO concluded petitioner did not meet this criterion among four additional criteria. |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | AAO reserved decision on sustained acclaim and top-percentage status because initial criteria not met. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.