Published AAO appeal decisions

A former Romanian swimmer who won Olympic and national medals and competed internationally seeks EB-1A classification. AAO held she did not sustain her past acclaim as a swimmer through subsequent coaching work, failing to demonstrate extraordinary ability at the very top of the field.

A performance artist in the arts sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO held she did not meet the awards criterion because her regional award was not nationally recognized, failed on published material evidence, and lacked three qualifying criteria for sustained international acclaim.

Violinist claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability in music, citing accomplishments including display and leading role. AAO found only two criteria met but held the evidence collectively insufficient to demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top of the field, so dismissed the appeal.

Scientist claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability, citing research grant and memberships in Sigma Xi and IEEE. AAO found neither awards nor memberships satisfied criteria due to their standard requirements and large membership bases, then dismissed appeal for insufficient evidence of top-level acclaim.

Actress claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability, citing soap opera appearances in Latin America. AAO rejected all criteria—awards, published material, original contributions, leading role, and commercial success—and dismissed appeal, finding evidence insufficient to demonstrate sustained acclaim.

Ballroom dancer claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found only one criterion met and rejected claims about one-time achievement and additional criteria. Dismissed appeal, holding evidence insufficient to demonstrate sustained acclaim at the field's very top.

Mountain climber and instructor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Claimed lesser awards and published material criteria. AAO found 1996-1997 certificates too remote for sustained acclaim, no instructor awards or student recognition, published material insufficient. Past climbing success not sustained through teaching.

Elvis performer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed three criteria: lesser awards, published material, and high salary. AAO found no nationally recognized prize, one article insufficient for sustained acclaim, no salary documentation. Petition lacks evidence of sustained acclaim required for extraordinary ability.

Creative producer and writer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed and submitted evidence for awards and judging criteria. AAO affirmed denial, finding the Promax/BDA award lacked sufficient national or international recognition and volunteer judging service did not evidence sustained acclaim at the very top of the field.

Jewelry designer self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability status. AAO upheld denial across awards, publications, contributions, and leadership criteria, finding solicited letters insufficient and routine duties inadequate for sustained national or international acclaim.

Singer self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner met no more than three criteria requirements; AAO found no nationally or internationally recognized awards, insufficient published material, and no judging or major contributions. Petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained acclaim at field top. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found local citations and civic honors did not meet awards criterion; membership lacked outstanding achievement requirements. Petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or clear intent to continue work in field. Appeal dismissed.

Musician and composer claims extraordinary ability. Presented award for best soundtrack, NARAS membership, and performance announcements in publications. AAO found award lacked documented significance, membership inadequate, published materials insufficient, and overall evidence fails to establish sustained acclaim at top level. Appeal dismissed.

Female athlete in running claims extraordinary ability. Presented evidence of race placements and local organization membership. AAO found no major award, membership failed to show outstanding achievement requirement, and overall record lacks sustained national or international acclaim at top level. Appeal dismissed.

Television director and producer claims extraordinary ability. Presented UNICEF Prize, NYICFF award, published articles, and jury participation. AAO found awards not major or internationally recognized, articles insufficiently supported, jury service not based on acclaim, and evidence shows only measurable success not sustained acclaim at very top. Appeal dismissed.

Martial arts instructor claims extraordinary ability. Presented old awards, association membership, and leading role at organization. AAO found one criterion met but awards too old to show sustained acclaim, membership inadequate, and overall evidence insufficient for sustained national or international acclaim at very top. Appeal dismissed.

Forester self-petitioner claims extraordinary ability. Asserted awards and membership criteria. AAO found certificates of training completion do not constitute nationally recognized excellence awards, and professional licensing does not meet membership criterion. Aggregate evidence insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim.

Postdoctoral researcher in life sciences claimed extraordinary ability under six criteria. The AAO found only two criteria possibly met, below the required three, and concluded the evidence failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field by 2007.

Art director self-petitioner for EB-1A claimed awards, publications, original contributions, exhibitions, and leading critical role. AAO found only original contributions criterion met. Award receipt not documented; publications not about petitioner; emerging artists exhibit insufficient; art director role not leading or critical. Appeal dismissed.

Water resource engineer self-petitioner for EB-1A claimed awards including Peace Messenger and Vernadski award. AAO found awards not nationally or internationally recognized; selection and honors lack evidence of sustained national acclaim. No evidence of other criteria. Appeal dismissed.

A television editor seeking extraordinary ability classification. The AAO affirmed denial, finding awards not nationally recognized (thousands awarded annually) and published material not primarily about the petitioner. No major award received and fewer than three criteria met; achievements do not rise to top of field.

A quality assurance manager in film restoration claiming extraordinary ability in rheology and civil engineering. The AAO upheld denial, finding no sustained national or international acclaim. Awards were outdated and for service, not excellence; membership criteria unestablished. Petitioner failed to demonstrate place among the very top.

A dulcimer player filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability in the arts. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the single 1990 national award could not demonstrate sustained acclaim in 2006, and membership and judging evidence lacked sufficient documentation. The overall evidence showed past talent but not sustained national or international acclaim.

A kickboxer filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability in athletics. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding amateur awards do not demonstrate position at the very top of the field, and evidence of sustained acclaim was absent. Inconsistencies in submitted documentation also undermined credibility of intent to continue the sport.

A journalist filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to meet a major award threshold or three criteria: awards lacked national or international recognition, membership did not require outstanding achievement, and published material was authored rather than about the petitioner.