Published AAO appeal decisions

Senior data scientist with advanced degrees seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed five criteria, but satisfied only two (judging and scholarly articles), falling short of the required three. AAO dismissed appeal because threshold evidence requirement was not met, declining to analyze final merits.

A data scientist with a master's degree in software engineering claimed six evidentiary criteria for extraordinary ability. The AAO affirmed the service center's finding that she met only two criteria, judging and scholarly articles. She failed to establish that IEEE senior membership requires outstanding achievements or that her original contributions were of major significance. Without three satisfied criteria, the petition was dismissed without final merits review.

Data scientist claimed five criteria for EB-1A extraordinary ability. SCOPS and AAO found only one criterion met (high salary), then withdrew it on appeal. AAO determined petitioner failed to meet three required criteria and dismissed without final merits analysis.

Data scientist claimed five criteria on appeal. AAO found record meets at least three criteria but totality fails to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and top-of-field status required for extraordinary ability classification.

A business data engineer sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming several evidentiary criteria after the service center found none met. The AAO accepted the judging criterion but found membership and original contributions unmet. It dismissed the appeal because the evidence did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing.