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.

Quantitative researcher with doctorate in statistics seeks NIW for EB-2 classification to develop statistical methodologies for big data research. AAO dismissed appeal, finding proposed endeavor lacks national importance; work restricted by employer covenants and lacks dissemination beyond employer and clients.

Data scientist self-petitioner sought EB-2 NIW based on advanced degree and proposed research in anomaly detection. AAO affirmed denial, holding petitioner did not establish national importance under first Dhanasar prong; research projects lacked specificity and documentation showing broader field or industry impact. Second and third prongs not addressed.

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.

Advanced data scientist seeking EB-1A classification claimed four criteria; three were met. AAO found three criteria satisfied the initial requirement but held that totality of evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim, top-tier status, or career of acclaimed work required for extraordinary ability.

Researcher in hydrometeorology and AI-driven precipitation forecasting with Master's degree sought NIW. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to establish national importance; work as model tester on NASA-funded projects lacked broader field impact and showed no role as principal investigator or named funding recipient.

Data scientist seeking NIW for EB-2 classification. AAO affirmed dismissal because proposed endeavor lacks national importance; while substantial merit established, petitioner's work benefits only current employer with no demonstration of innovations or impact extending beyond employer's business interests or clients.

Data engineer seeking EB-2 with national interest waiver. Established substantial merit of endeavor but not national importance. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding applicant did not demonstrate how employment would reach national importance or provide substantial positive economic effects.

Data scientist pursued doctoral degree while proposing research on human mobility and urban prediction models for national interest waiver. AAO dismissed appeal because evidence failed to establish prospective impact of the specific endeavor, distinguishing between field importance and actual project importance.

Data analytics manager with advanced degree sought NIW for work managing digital analysts in banking and financial services. AAO found his mentorship and project work have substantial merit but lack national importance, as the endeavor does not demonstrate broader implications for the field or industry beyond individual benefits.

Sustainability and business intelligence consultant sought EB-2 NIW classification. AAO held proposed endeavor had substantial merit but lacked national importance as required under Dhanasar because petitioner provided only general assertions without adequate evidence of broader field impact or specific prospective consequences.

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.