Published AAO appeal decisions

A tennis player transitioning to coaching sought EB-1A status. Although the AAO found she met the awards criterion, the final merits analysis concluded her evidence of sustained acclaim in coaching did not reach the top-tier level required.

Crew chief and lead mechanic in auto racing claimed extraordinary ability and at least three criteria. AAO found award documentation did not establish national or international recognition and evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at top of field. Appeal dismissed.

Musician pursuing Doctor of Musical Arts claiming extraordinary ability in music. Submitted award for viola performance winner. AAO found insufficient documentary evidence of competition eligibility and determined achievements do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

Inventor petitioner filed self-petition without identifying specific regulatory criteria in documentation or response to RFE. AAO summarily dismissed appeal because petitioner offered no substantive basis addressing erroneous conclusions and failed to establish sustained national acclaim.

Self-represented computer scientist with Master's degree in Computer Science sought EB-1A in computer networking and network security. Failed awards criterion and membership criterion based on UPE affiliation. Final merits analysis found achievements do not establish sustained acclaim at highest level.

A taekwondo athlete sought EB-1A classification. The AAO held that submitted awards, though earned through ITF Black Belt standards, lacked evidence of national or international recognition beyond the presenting organizations. The overall evidence failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement at the very top of the field.

Actress petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in performing arts, relying on awards and memberships. AAO found petitioner established evidence of only one award, failing the requirement for multiple nationally or internationally recognized prizes, and did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the top of her field.

Accounting auditor petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed at least two criteria. AAO affirmed director's finding that single employer award lacked national or international recognition and failed to meet plural requirement; final merits analysis showed petitioner did not achieve sustained acclaim or top-tier status in field.

A petitioner of unclear occupation sought EB-1A classification, with counsel asserting a one-time major award and at least three regulatory criteria. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the claimed award did not qualify as a major internationally recognized award and the evidence did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing.

A creative director in advertising sought EB-1A classification based on six awards from a university. The AAO found these awards, though labeled as excellence awards, did not demonstrate nationally or internationally recognized status. Overall evidence failed to establish top-tier sustained acclaim.

Karate player and instructor claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner failed to demonstrate awards were nationally or internationally recognized; evidence showed recognition only at individual events. Achievements insufficient to establish extraordinary ability. Appeal dismissed.

Scientific researcher in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner failed to meet awards criterion; single institutional funding award does not satisfy regulatory requirement for nationally or internationally recognized prizes in plural. Appeal dismissed.

A ballet dancer sought EB-1A classification, claiming a one-time achievement through a competition gold medal and at least three regulatory criteria. The AAO held the medal was not a major, internationally recognized award and the record did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing, so it dismissed the appeal.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as financial manager in business. Met fewer than three regulatory criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim. AAO found evidence shows talent but does not demonstrate exceptional achievement setting petitioner significantly above others.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as soccer coach. Petitioner's competitive playing career ended in late 1980s and no sustained national or international acclaim shown as coach. AAO found achievements significantly above others in field not demonstrated.

An acrobatic performer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed at least three evidentiary categories. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding awards not nationally or internationally recognized and evidence insufficient to demonstrate the petitioner ranks among the very top in the field.

Postdoctoral researcher in life sciences seeking extraordinary ability classification. Claimed multiple criteria including major award. AAO held petitioner did not meet three regulatory criteria and lacks sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability classification.

Medical director claimed six EB-1A criteria. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim or extraordinary ability. Director found petitioner did not satisfy any claimed criteria, and three criteria were abandoned on appeal.

A neuroscientist filing for EB-1A extraordinary ability was denied. The petitioner established only the scholarly articles criterion but failed to meet three total criteria. The AAO found deficiencies in awards, published material about the applicant, and original contributions. The final merits determination concluded the evidence was insufficient for top-tier status.

Chef petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in culinary arts. Director found awards and leading role criteria met but rejected published material and high salary criteria. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in top percentage of field despite meeting two criteria.