Outcome: Dismissed
JAN282020_03B2203
Our summary
A polygraph examiner, researcher and instructor sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming many evidentiary criteria. The AAO found only scholarly articles and judging satisfied, rejecting awards, membership and published material. Fewer than three criteria were met, and the aggregate record did not show sustained acclaim, so the appeal was 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
- Judging · AAO disagreed with the Director and found the judging criterion satisfied.
- Scholarly articles · Director found authorship of scholarly articles satisfied and AAO agreed.
What was missing
- Awards · Professional association award honored loyalty and dedication rather than excellence in the field; other prize's criteria and awarding body unproven.
- Membership · Evidence too vague to show the associations require outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts.
- Original contributions · Only two criteria were found satisfied overall, so this one was not established; analysis is truncated in the text.
- Published material · Articles not shown to appear in professional or major trade publications or major media; some lacked author credit.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | AAO disagreed with the Director and found the judging criterion satisfied. | |
| Met | Director found authorship of scholarly articles satisfied and AAO agreed. | |
| Not met | Professional association award honored loyalty and dedication rather than excellence in the field; other prize's criteria and awarding body unproven. | |
| Not met | Evidence too vague to show the associations require outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts. | |
| Not met | Only two criteria were found satisfied overall, so this one was not established; analysis is truncated in the text. | |
| Not met | Articles not shown to appear in professional or major trade publications or major media; some lacked author credit. | |
| Not reached / not discussed | Formal determination unnecessary, but aggregate review showed insufficient acclaim, with media coverage arising suspiciously close to filing. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
