EB-1AAgriculture and foodIndividualDecided January 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN162020_05B2203
JudgingMetScholarly articlesMetLeading or critical roleNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Plant pathology researcher claimed extraordinary ability. Director found two criteria met. AAO affirmed only two criteria (judging, scholarly articles) and rejected original contributions and leading role as lacking major significance. Appeal dismissed for failure to satisfy three criteria.
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 · Director found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb this finding.
- Scholarly articles · Director found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb this finding.
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Laboratory lacks distinguished reputation; grant involvement does not establish critical role.
- Original contributions · Contributions add to general knowledge but lack major significance in agriculture.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Director found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb this finding. |
 Scholarly articles | Met | Director found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb this finding. |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Laboratory lacks distinguished reputation; grant involvement does not establish critical role. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Contributions add to general knowledge but lack major significance in agriculture. |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Only two criteria met; does not reach final merits. Overall record lacks required acclaim. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.