Published AAO appeal decisions

A physician and researcher sought extraordinary ability classification. The director denied the petition after reviewing nine criteria. On appeal, counsel offered only vague assertions of substantial evidence without identifying any specific error. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because no erroneous conclusion of law or fact was specifically identified.

A dermatologist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed membership, published material, judging, scholarly articles, and critical role. The AAO found none met the standard for sustained national or international acclaim at the field's very top, dismissing the appeal.

Veterinarian and laboratory head sought EB-1A classification on self-petition. Claimant submitted evidence of VPAP award, professional memberships, conference paper presentation, and board certification. AAO found award criteria reflected service length rather than excellence, memberships lacked outstanding achievement requirement, and no comparative salary documentation provided.

Physician petitioner claimed extraordinary ability but failed to meet three regulatory criteria: awards, membership, and published material. AAO found no sustained national or international acclaim at field top and dismissed appeal; employment gaps and lack of U.S. licensure further weighed against EB-1A eligibility.

Traditional medicine practitioner claimed extraordinary ability but failed to show sustained national or international acclaim. AAO found no major awards, publications in major media, or evidence of judging. Misuse of physician titles and credentials raised questions about prospective benefit, warranting dismissal.

A gastroenterologist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability in the sciences. The AAO upheld the director's finding that the petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim at the very top, finding academic awards and a single video presentation insufficient, and dismissing the appeal.

A pediatric cardiac surgeon and founder of a nonprofit cardiac surgery foundation seeks EB-1A classification. He claimed at least three regulatory criteria were met. The AAO found he satisfied the criteria and established sustained national acclaim as one of the small percentage at the top of his field, and would continue his work in the United States.

Healthcare practitioner in Bulgaria sought extraordinary ability classification based on awards and memberships. AAO affirmed denial finding award lacks scientific community recognition, memberships not exclusive, and overall evidence insufficient to demonstrate placement among very top in field.

A psychiatrist self-petitioner claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability based on awards, memberships, certifications, and judging experience. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding he did not meet at least three criteria because evidence showed routine occupational duties rather than national or international acclaim at the very top.

A registered somatic movement therapist claimed extraordinary ability in sciences. She submitted a dance scholarship, association certifications, and peer-review activities as evidence. The AAO found the scholarship insufficient, certifications did not prove outstanding achievement, no published materials existed, and teaching did not constitute judging. She failed to meet the three-criterion threshold.

A recreational and movement therapist self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed awards, membership, published material, and judging criteria. AAO upheld director's denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or status within the small percentage at the very top of the field.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A classification as scientist with extraordinary ability in medicine. Claimed awards criterion based on WHO fellowship and other recognitions. AAO rejected awards criterion as outdated and concluded petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability classification.

Self-petitioned psychiatrist with board certifications and institutional contributions claimed extraordinary ability under six EB-1A criteria. AAO dismissed, finding no sustained national or international acclaim placing applicant at very top of field despite accomplishments.

An alternative medicine practitioner sought EB-1A classification as an alien of extraordinary ability. The director found sustained acclaim not shown. On appeal the self-represented petitioner offered only a general statement and no evidence, so the AAO summarily dismissed the appeal for failing to identify any specific error. No criteria were analyzed.