EB-1ALaw, policy, social scienceIndividualDecided 2023Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JAN312023_01B2203
Published materialMetLeading or critical roleNot metMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metAwardsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A pastor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification through Christian missions work. Although the director found four criteria met, the AAO reversed three findings on review and affirmed only published material. With only one criterion met, the petitioner failed to meet the three-criterion threshold and lacked sustained national or international acclaim.
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 · Director found petitioner met published material criterion; AAO affirmed this determination.
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Director's finding of met reversed; evidence insufficient to establish distinguished role supporting field-level impact.
- Membership · Director's finding of met reversed; membership requirements based on faith, spiritual views, or activity do not satisfy criterion requiring outstanding achievements.
- Original contributions · Director's finding of met reversed; evidence insufficient to establish original contributions rise to major significance in field.
- Final merits · Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or that petitioner ranks among small percentage at very top of field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Published material | Met | Director found petitioner met published material criterion; AAO affirmed this determination. |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Director's finding of met reversed; evidence insufficient to establish distinguished role supporting field-level impact. |
 Membership | Not met | Director's finding of met reversed; membership requirements based on faith, spiritual views, or activity do not satisfy criterion requiring outstanding achievements. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Director's finding of met reversed; evidence insufficient to establish original contributions rise to major significance in field. |
 Awards | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; petitioner asserted lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards criterion. |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or that petitioner ranks among small percentage at very top of field. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.