Outcome: Dismissed
Jul162009_02B2203
Our summary
A researcher in life sciences at Columbia University sought EB-1A classification for extraordinary ability. The AAO upheld the judging criterion but withdrew the director's finding on scholarly articles and found neither awards nor the overall record demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the very top of the field. Appeal 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 · Director's finding upheld; evidence in aggregate beyond mere peer review participation supports criterion.
What was missing
- Awards · Lesser awards and nominations insufficient; top of field significantly higher than petitioner's level.
- Scholarly articles · Evidence far less persuasive; record does not support director's favorable finding on this criterion.
- Final merits · Evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage status.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Director's finding upheld; evidence in aggregate beyond mere peer review participation supports criterion. | |
| Not met | Lesser awards and nominations insufficient; top of field significantly higher than petitioner's level. | |
| Not met | Evidence far less persuasive; record does not support director's favorable finding on this criterion. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed. | |
| Not met | Evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage status. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
