Published AAO appeal decisions

A soccer academy petitioned for a professional player and coach. The beneficiary played in Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Portugal, and coached at club level. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding no major international awards, non-restrictive association membership, and no sustained media acclaim above club level sufficient to demonstrate top-tier standing.

Design director petitioner established one criterion via awards but failed to meet three required for EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO rejected claims of association membership, published material prominence, exhibition history, and critical role, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim.

Employer petitioned for beneficiary, senior business executive in sales and marketing, for extraordinary ability. AAO rejected company awards and comparable evidence claim under regulation inapplicable to business field. Multiple applicable criteria existed; evidence insufficient to meet three required criteria.