Outcome: Dismissed
FEB042026_02B2203
Our summary
Helicopter pilot claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability based on being first female pilot in jurisdiction and other criteria. Service center found only published material satisfied. AAO affirmed, finding award was appreciation certificate, judging claim unsupported, and being first female lacks regulatory significance. With only one criterion met, threshold requirements failed. 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
- Published material · Service center found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed
What was missing
- Awards · Award certificate stated appreciation for service, not excellence; evidence insufficient to establish nationally/internationally recognized award
- Judging · Participation in police interviews and evaluation processes does not constitute judging work of others in field
- Original contributions · Being first female helicopter pilot does not constitute scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business contribution as required
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Service center found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed | |
| Not met | Award certificate stated appreciation for service, not excellence; evidence insufficient to establish nationally/internationally recognized award | |
| Not met | Participation in police interviews and evaluation processes does not constitute judging work of others in field | |
| Not met | Being first female helicopter pilot does not constitute scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business contribution as required | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not analyzed in decision | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not analyzed in decision | |
| Not reached / not discussed | Threshold initial evidence requirements not met; final merits not reached |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
