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EB-1AOtherIndividualDecided February 2026Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

FEB042026_02B2203

Published materialMetAwardsNot metJudgingNot metOriginal contributionsNot metExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed

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

CriterionReadingWhy
Published materialMetService center found criterion satisfied; AAO affirmed
AwardsNot metAward certificate stated appreciation for service, not excellence; evidence insufficient to establish nationally/internationally recognized award
JudgingNot metParticipation in police interviews and evaluation processes does not constitute judging work of others in field
Original contributionsNot metBeing first female helicopter pilot does not constitute scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business contribution as required
ExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed on appeal but not analyzed in decision
High salaryClaimed, not analyzedClaimed on appeal but not analyzed in decision
Final meritsNot reached / not discussedThreshold 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.

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