Published AAO appeal decisions

Business strategist and developer claimed extraordinary ability in strategic brand management. AAO found evidence of talent but not sustained national or international acclaim or top-level status. Awards, publications, and influence claims all inadequately documented.

A nonprofit research foundation sponsored a policy analyst as extraordinarily able in economics. The AAO rejected student scholarships, professional memberships, media appearances as published material, and judging roles as insufficient. Aggregate evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-level achievement.

Design and architectural firm filed EB-1A for architect beneficiary, claiming award, membership, and publication criteria. AAO rejected awards as unrecognized and membership as routine professional qualification. Published materials insufficient. Overall evidence does not establish extraordinary ability.

Equestrian professional seeking extraordinary ability classification in athletics. Petitioner met awards criterion through competitions in South America prior to 2003, but AAO found prize evidence diminished by lack of Grand Prix level success. Did not meet membership or published material criteria. Overall, evidence insufficient to demonstrate small percentage status at very top of field.