EB-1AEducation and academiaIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN072026_02B2203
AwardsNot metLeading or critical roleNot metOriginal contributionsNot metScholarly articlesNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A historian and rabbi in Jewish studies sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed because the petitioner satisfied none of four claimed evidentiary criteria and failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or positioning among the very top of the field.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Awards · Yoreh Yoreh rabbinical certification deemed educational credential, not award for excellence
- Leading or critical role · Insufficient detail regarding positions; failure to establish leading or critical role
- Original contributions · Expert letters lack specificity; insufficient documentation of major significance in field
- Scholarly articles · Religious books not demonstrated to be scholarly articles; not peer-reviewed academic publications
- Final merits · Petitioner does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or small percentage status at top
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Not met | Yoreh Yoreh rabbinical certification deemed educational credential, not award for excellence |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Insufficient detail regarding positions; failure to establish leading or critical role |
 Original contributions | Not met | Expert letters lack specificity; insufficient documentation of major significance in field |
 Scholarly articles | Not met | Religious books not demonstrated to be scholarly articles; not peer-reviewed academic publications |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or small percentage status at top |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.