A furniture designer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed three criteria: awards, published material, and exhibitions. The AAO found he met awards and exhibitions criteria but failed published material because he provided no objective evidence establishing that articles were published in major media or professional trade publications.

A public relations professional claimed extraordinary ability for EB-1A classification. AAO found she failed to meet at least three of ten required criteria. Awards were attributed to employer, not individual. Membership evidence did not establish organizations require outstanding achievements by recognized experts. Record shows successful work but not sustained national or international acclaim.

Digital artist in surrealist photomontage sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found one criterion met and one newly met on appeal but concluded the overall record failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier status required for the classification.

Artificial intelligence graduate researcher failed to meet three-criterion threshold. AAO found competition awards not nationally recognized; ChatGPT-sourced supporting documents deemed unreliable. With only two criteria potentially met, final merits analysis reserved as unnecessary.