Published AAO appeal decisions

A karate competitor filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability through awards, membership, media coverage, and judging criteria. The AAO found one criterion met but concluded the overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the small percentage at the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.

An athlete in arts and athletics sought extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found no major internationally recognized awards and concluded youth/amateur competition awards do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level required.

Filmmaker petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on film awards and Emmy judging. AAO held neither criterion met: festival prizes lack major international recognition required, and Emmy judging is separate regulatory criterion not claimed initially. Evidence of one successful film insufficient for sustained top-level acclaim.

Soccer player petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on youth and amateur tournament awards. AAO held awards from amateur and youth competitions do not demonstrate sustained acclaim at very top of professional field. Evidence insufficient to establish petitioner among small percentage at top.

Traditional Thai musician petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on youth award and performances for officials. AAO held youth student award insufficient for nationally recognized prize; performances fall under display criterion. Evidence insufficient for sustained international acclaim at very top of field.

Self-petitioner in sciences claims extraordinary ability. Petitioner submitted evidence of honorary doctorate and association membership. AAO found honorary doctorate not nationally or internationally recognized and association membership not analyzed. Appeal dismissed; petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim.

Senior transportation and ITS analyst seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the petitioner did not meet three criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.

Professional shooter and trainer seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding national shooting championship awards do not establish sustained international acclaim and achievements lack the evidence required for extraordinary ability status.

Scientist in optical engineering sought extraordinary ability classification. Failed to establish nationally recognized awards or original contributions of major significance. Did not meet three required criteria or demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top level of the field.

Medical researcher sought extraordinary ability as alien of extraordinary ability. Failed to establish receipt of nationally recognized awards or membership requiring outstanding achievement. Did not meet three required criteria or demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top level of the field.

Artist claimed extraordinary ability in the arts. Met one criterion (published material) but failed to meet at least three required criteria or demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field. AAO affirmed denial.

Athletic coach sought extraordinary ability classification. Met two criteria (awards and leading role) but needed three. AAO rejected argument that same evidence satisfies membership criterion separately, finding petitioner lacked sustained national or international acclaim at coaching's very top level.

A Peking opera performer claimed extraordinary ability through awards and association membership. The AAO found awards limited by age are not nationally recognized, membership evidence insufficient, and aggregate evidence insufficient to show sustained acclaim at the top of the field.

Professional soccer player and instructor seeking EB-1A classification as self-petitioner. Claimed awards and published material from 1990s; intended to work as coach in United States. AAO found awards too old and awards from unclear league, articles stale, and coaching distinct from competitive playing. Appeal dismissed.

A performing artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed Filipino Awit Award and association membership. AAO held Awit Award reflects only national, not international, recognition; insufficient to meet criteria; and petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained top-level acclaim or intent to continue work in United States.

An actor previously approved for EB-1A sought reclassification. Claimed award nominations and commercial success. AAO held nominations are insufficient; actual award receipt required; critical and commercial success are distinct; and current evidence fails to show sustained top-level acclaim despite prior approval.

Postdoctoral research fellow in muscle biology and insulin-like growth factor research claimed extraordinary ability through awards, memberships, peer review, and contributions. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner failed to meet three of ten criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

A journalist and business professional in Nepal petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in business. The AAO found that a single national award from 1991 and general documentation of journalistic influence were insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very best in the field.

Mixed media artist self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in arts, met published materials and exhibitions criteria but failed to meet required third criterion. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top level.

Senior device engineer self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in sciences under three criteria: awards, membership. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner met no criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim necessary for top-level classification.

Athlete in arts and athletics claimed three EB-1A criteria and argued three criteria suffice. AAO dismissed because awards from amateur competitions do not show extraordinary ability, and petitioner failed to demonstrate intent to continue work in United States.

Martial artist and nonprofit organization founder claimed extraordinary ability through athletic achievements and planned business activities. AAO affirmed denial, finding no evidence of nationally recognized competitive prizes since 2001, no qualifying published material, and no clear commitment to expertise area in the United States.

Actress claimed extraordinary ability through work in award-winning productions, professional association memberships, and media references. AAO affirmed denial, finding awards belonged to organizations not her individually, union memberships lacked outstanding achievement requirement, and media references were incidental.

Television producer claimed extraordinary ability through work on major news programs, colleague recognition, and work at prominent media outlet. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient documentation of national recognition, recommendation letters alone insufficient to show original contributions of major significance.

Peking Opera performer claimed extraordinary ability through competition wins and professional association membership. AAO affirmed denial, finding awards lacked evidence of national or international recognition, association membership did not require outstanding achievement, and overall evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top.