EB-1AComputer science and AIIndividualDecided 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL282026_01B2203
Leading or critical roleMetHigh salaryNot metOriginal contributionsNot metAwardsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Business professional in financial technology seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner met only one required criterion (leading critical role) out of three needed; original contributions lacked major significance and salary was not substantially higher than comparable positions.
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
- Leading or critical role · USCIS determined petitioner satisfied leading and critical role criterion
What was missing
- High salary · Salary of $248,700 within comparable range for similar positions; does not demonstrate substantially higher remuneration than field peers
- Original contributions · Business contributions original but not of major significance in field; limited to employer and clients without broader industry impact
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Leading or critical role | Met | USCIS determined petitioner satisfied leading and critical role criterion |
 High salary | Not met | Salary of $248,700 within comparable range for similar positions; does not demonstrate substantially higher remuneration than field peers |
 Original contributions | Not met | Business contributions original but not of major significance in field; limited to employer and clients without broader industry impact |
 Awards | Claimed, not analyzed | Petitioner does not claim major internationally recognized award; alternative criteria path required |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed to satisfy minimum three evidentiary criteria |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.