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EB-1AComputer science and AIEmployerDecided May 2026Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

MAY292026_01B2203

Leading or critical roleMetAwardsNot metCommercial successClaimed, not analyzedExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedJudgingClaimed, not analyzedMembershipClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedPublished materialClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met

Our summary

Technology startup founder seeking EB-1A classification claimed eight evidentiary criteria; SCOPS found six met and AAO confirmed leading role criterion. However, AAO rejected the petition because sustained national or international acclaim was not demonstrated, with nearly all achievements from 2024-2025 and recognition limited to startup ecosystems, failing final merits review.

Official PDF

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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 · Cofounded and serves as chief technical officer of AI company

What was missing

  • Awards · No major, internationally recognized award established
  • Final merits · Sustained acclaim not demonstrated; achievements confined to single venture-backed startup ecosystem from 2024-2025

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
Leading or critical roleMetCofounded and serves as chief technical officer of AI company
AwardsNot metNo major, internationally recognized award established
Commercial successClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
ExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
High salaryClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
JudgingClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed; mentioned as limited but not decided
MembershipClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
Original contributionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
Published materialClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
Scholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in final merits determination
Final meritsNot metSustained acclaim not demonstrated; achievements confined to single venture-backed startup ecosystem from 2024-2025

A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.

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