Outcome: Dismissed
MAY292026_01B2203
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
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 · 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
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Cofounded and serves as chief technical officer of AI company | |
| Not met | No major, internationally recognized award established | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; mentioned as limited but not decided | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in final merits determination | |
| Not met | Sustained 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.
