Published AAO appeal decisions

Circus entertainment business petitions for circus performer with prior O-1 status. Service center denied finding he lacks sustained national or international acclaim. Appeal summarily dismissed because petitioner failed to identify specific erroneous conclusions of law or fact and did not submit promised brief or additional evidence within required timeframe.

Martial arts academy petitioned for taekwondo instructor under O-1A. Director found beneficiary lacks sustained national or international acclaim and failed at least three of eight evidentiary criteria. AAO dismissed, holding beneficiary is skilled athlete but did not establish extraordinary ability as coach.

A talent management business sought O-1 classification for a singer and performer in the arts, which is not O-1A. The director denied the petition for lack of extraordinary ability evidence and missing contracts and itinerary. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because no specific error was identified and no promised brief was filed.

A company sought to employ its managing director, who was its sole member, under O-1 classification. The director recommended denial as an impermissible self-petition and certified the decision. The AAO did not reach the merits, because the beneficiary had since become a permanent resident, and denied the petition as moot.

Gymnastics club petitioned for O-1A visa for foreign gymnastics coach. AAO held beneficiary lacked major internationally recognized award and failed to satisfy at least three evidentiary criteria; prior athletic acclaim insufficient without demonstrating sustained coaching-level extraordinary ability.

Boxing and fitness facility petitioned for professional boxer under O-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found beneficiary did not satisfy initial evidentiary requirements, meeting none of eight regulatory criteria; evidence showed skill but not sustained national or international acclaim required for O-1A.

A film and television producer was the beneficiary of an O-1 petition filed by a production company. The director revoked approval for lack of extraordinary achievement. The AAO withdrew that decision and remanded it so the director could consider the evidence submitted in response to the notice of intent and the petitioner's apparent dissolution.

A business seeking O-1A classification for a horse trainer and groom for the cutting horse industry. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary's duties fall under athletics, not the arts, and therefore the wrong visa category was requested. No O-1A criteria were analyzed on the merits.