Published AAO appeal decisions

A dance studio employer petitions for EB-1A classification of a beneficiary as extraordinary ability in the arts. The beneficiary claimed awards, published material, and leading role as dancer and coach. The AAO affirmed dismissal because the beneficiary met no criteria and showed insufficient sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

Counsel represented Chinese Peking Opera actor claiming extraordinary ability. Failed to meet three required criteria: awards lacked official documentation, membership was local-level only, and critical role unproven. Additionally, no evidence of continued work in expertise area or prospective employment plans required by regulation.

Employer-sponsored dance coach and director claimed evidence for multiple EB-1A criteria. AAO found no criterion met and held that neither his dancer career nor coaching career established sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

Acrobatic performer claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability. Beneficiary met two of ten criteria including original contributions to knockabout style. AAO found evidence of talent and influence but insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at very top of acrobatic field. Appeal dismissed.

A senior designer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed published materials, original contributions, and commercial success. The AAO found one criterion met but concluded the overall evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top of the field, so dismissed the appeal.

Acrobat performer claimed extraordinary ability in arts. Met original contributions criterion through documented unique techniques and style influence but failed awards and published material criteria. AAO found only two criteria met when three required; dismissed for lack of sustained national or international acclaim.

Acrobat in knockabout slapstick style claimed extraordinary ability through awards, publications, and original contributions. AAO found one original contribution criterion met. However, awards not nationally recognized and publications insufficient. Overall, record fails to demonstrate sustained national acclaim or distinction at top of field.

Design director sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed awards, membership, published material, exhibitions, and leading role. AAO found only awards minimally satisfied and rejected other criteria. Petitioner failed to meet three-criterion threshold and lacked evidence of top field status.

Senior game designer sought EB-1A classification. Met only scholarly articles criterion. AAO found prior approval notice was issued in error by computer without favorable adjudication. Evidence insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

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.