Published AAO appeal decisions

A graphic designer claimed extraordinary ability through student awards and association membership. The AAO rejected student-level awards as insufficient, found no evidence of membership requirements for outstanding achievement, and concluded aggregate evidence fails to show top-level sustained acclaim.

A businessman in concrete technology claimed extraordinary ability through family honors, association membership, and published material. The AAO found family honors do not apply to petitioner, membership criteria unmet, articles insufficient, and aggregate evidence insufficient to establish top-level sustained acclaim.

A writer from Nepal claimed extraordinary ability through an award, published material, and judging experience. The AAO found the award predated filing by six years insufficient for sustained acclaim, publications either incidental or too old, local volunteer judging insufficient, and poor English proficiency undermined intent to work as U.S. writer.

Jockey claimed extraordinary ability in athletics through awards, published materials, and critical role. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level of the profession.

Entertainment company petitioner sought classification for beneficiary Vice President as extraordinary ability immigrant. AAO affirmed denial, finding beneficiary failed to meet any of five claimed criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top level.

An arts field professional represented by counsel claimed extraordinary ability through published material and judging participation. The AAO rejected published material as lacking complete translations and appearing in insufficient outlets, and found judging role did not evidence top-level sustained acclaim. Aggregate evidence insufficient.

A dance instructor sponsored through counsel claimed extraordinary ability via competition awards and student achievements. The AAO held that amateur and rising-star awards cannot demonstrate extraordinary ability, and coaching achievements do not indicate the petitioner is among the very top professionals in the field.

Project management professional sought EB-1A classification through employer petition. Petitioner claimed awards and professional association membership. AAO found awards lacked national or international recognition and membership did not reflect outstanding achievement. Evidence insufficient for extraordinary ability.

Winemaker sought EB-1A classification. Petitioner claimed awards, published material, and judging criteria. AAO found awards ineligible as beneficiary was not named recipient, published material did not focus on beneficiary, but judging criterion met. Overall, evidence insufficient to demonstrate extraordinary ability in wine field.