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EB-1AData science and analyticsIndividualDecided November 2025Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

NOV242025_03B2203

JudgingMetScholarly articlesMetAwardsNot metLeading or critical roleNot metMembershipNot metPublished materialNot metFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed

Our summary

Senior data scientist with advanced degrees seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed five criteria, but satisfied only two (judging and scholarly articles), falling short of the required three. AAO dismissed appeal because threshold evidence requirement was not met, declining to analyze final merits.

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 · Petitioner satisfied this criterion; record demonstrates judging of others' work.
  • Scholarly articles · Petitioner satisfied authorship of scholarly articles criterion.

What was missing

  • Awards · No major, internationally recognized award demonstrated by petitioner.
  • Leading or critical role · Did not establish employers' distinguished reputations or leading role significance.
  • Membership · Fellowship based on experience and fees, not outstanding achievements required by regulation.
  • Published material · Articles in Digital Journal and IBTimes are not professional or major trade publications.

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
JudgingMetPetitioner satisfied this criterion; record demonstrates judging of others' work.
Scholarly articlesMetPetitioner satisfied authorship of scholarly articles criterion.
AwardsNot metNo major, internationally recognized award demonstrated by petitioner.
Leading or critical roleNot metDid not establish employers' distinguished reputations or leading role significance.
MembershipNot metFellowship based on experience and fees, not outstanding achievements required by regulation.
Published materialNot metArticles in Digital Journal and IBTimes are not professional or major trade publications.
Final meritsNot reached / not discussedThreshold initial evidence requirement not met; final merits analysis not reached.

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

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