An entrepreneur in the culinary and restaurant field sought EB-2 exceptional ability classification with a national interest waiver. The AAO withdrew the director's findings on experience letters and professional membership and rejected the salary and recognition criteria. It dismissed the appeal and did not analyze the waiver under Dhanasar.

A pianist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed three criteria including published material, critical role, and scholarly articles. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding published material unsubstantiated due to missing author credits and circulation data, critical role unsupported by vague testimonials, and scholarly articles claimed too late. Overall acclaim insufficient.

A caviar business owner claiming extraordinary ability sought EB-1A classification based on sustainable aquaculture practices. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to meet the major award threshold or three alternate criteria. Membership criterion was not met due to lack of documented personal membership; original contributions criterion failed as company success alone does not demonstrate field-wide significance.

Executive chef with work history in Poland and United States claimed four criteria. AAO found three criteria met but concluded totality of evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim or recognition as among small percentage at very top of culinary field. Appeal dismissed.