EB-1AEducation and academiaIndividualDecided February 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB122026_05B2203
JudgingMetScholarly articlesMetAwardsNot metLeading or critical roleNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
An intercultural communication assistant professor claimed five EB-1A criteria. The AAO found judging and scholarly articles met, but awards and original contributions failed; only two criteria satisfied. Because threshold initial evidence requirements were not met, the appeal was dismissed without final merits analysis.
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 did not disturb this finding
- Scholarly articles · SCOPS found criterion satisfied, AAO did not disturb this finding
What was missing
- Awards · Awards lack national or international recognition, at most local or regional
- Leading or critical role · SCOPS found criterion not satisfied, not contested on appeal
- Original contributions · Contributions limited to local influence, lack evidence of major significance to field overall
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | SCOPS found criterion satisfied, AAO did not disturb this finding |
 Scholarly articles | Met | SCOPS found criterion satisfied, AAO did not disturb this finding |
 Awards | Not met | Awards lack national or international recognition, at most local or regional |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | SCOPS found criterion not satisfied, not contested on appeal |
 Original contributions | Not met | Contributions limited to local influence, lack evidence of major significance to field overall |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Threshold criteria not met, final merits analysis reserved |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.