Published AAO appeal decisions

Molecular geneticist claiming extraordinary ability in sciences. Petitioner claimed meeting criteria for awards, membership, published material, judging, and scholarly articles. AAO rejected all criterion claims, finding thesis award recognized academic rather than professional excellence, insufficient publication impact, limited judging scope, and modest citation record. Aggregate evidence showed talent but not top-tier distinction.

Ballroom dancer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in athletics. Petitioner claimed awards and membership in professional organization. AAO found one award criterion met but membership criterion not satisfied, and concluded evidence demonstrated talent but not sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

A petitioner of unstated occupation sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification, and the director denied the petition for lack of sustained acclaim. On appeal, counsel gave only a general statement and promised a brief that never arrived. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because no specific error was identified.

Athletic competitor self-petitioner appealed revocation of initially approved EB-1A petition. Petitioner failed to submit substantive brief or evidence addressing regulatory criteria and did not specifically identify director's erroneous findings. Appeal summarily dismissed for inadequate appellate submission.

Mountain climber sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in athletics. Met awards criterion with presidential medal; failed membership and published material criteria. Evidence of only one criterion met insufficient; no demonstration of sustained national acclaim or top percentile of field.

Self-petitioner artist claims extraordinary ability through awards, membership, and exhibitions. AAO affirmed service center denial, finding only local recognition, no recent achievements, and failure to meet three required criteria. Decision also found fraud and material misrepresentation regarding biographical history.

A self-represented petitioner of unstated occupation sought EB-1A classification and was denied for lacking sustained acclaim. On appeal, it said the wrong classification had been checked. Records showed the beneficiary had already adjusted to permanent resident status through another petition, so the AAO dismissed the appeal as moot without examining criteria.

A paper-cutting artist sought extraordinary ability classification. She claimed awards and institutional recognition. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner submitted fraudulent documentation and failed to demonstrate national or international acclaim at the very top level.

A research associate in the sciences claimed membership, judging activity, and scholarly articles. The AAO found the membership criterion not met because Sigma Xi has 70,000 members, peer review is routine, and citation counts were not remarkable. Appeal dismissed.

Traditional Albanian folk singer claimed extraordinary ability through awards, publications, original contributions, and critical roles in performances. AAO found no major international award and fewer than three criteria met, with outdated evidence of acclaim prior to filing.

Research scientist self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability through awards, membership, publications, and original contributions. AAO dismissed appeal, finding only original contributions criterion satisfied but insufficient overall to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at top level.

Pianist self-petitioner sought EB-1A classification claiming extraordinary ability through membership, published material, and commercial success. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to meet three regulatory criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim warranting top-tier classification.

An arts professional sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The service center found sustained national or international acclaim was not shown. On appeal, counsel offered only a general assertion of error and promised a brief and evidence that never arrived. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal for failing to identify any specific error.

Acrobatic performer sought EB-1A classification through awards, publications, and contributions. AAO found petitioner is accomplished but lacks sustained national or international acclaim at very top level, with awards stale, no recent performances documented, and no commercial success demonstrated.

Self-petitioner sought EB-1A classification based on awards, memberships, and published material. AAO found all evidence reflected only local recognition and did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability classification.

Sociology and political science researcher in Uzbekistan seeks EB-1A. Decision holds petitioner failed to meet any three criteria for extraordinary ability. Awards not established as nationally or internationally recognized; judging role documented by brief certificate lacking substantive evidence; no demonstrated major impact on field.

Self-petitioner plant physiologist sought EB-1A classification based on provincial award, articles, and researcher position in China. AAO found petitioner failed to meet three criteria and lacked sustained acclaim or evidence of continuing work in United States expertise.

Petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. AAO held petitioner failed to meet three regulatory criteria and dismissed appeal with finding of fraud because petitioner knowingly submitted falsified documents material to eligibility determination.

Automobile mechanic petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. AAO affirmed denial because petitioner failed to meet at least three regulatory criteria: awards were only locally recognized; original contributions lacked evidence of widespread influence; salary lacked comparative documentation. Appeal dismissed.

Medical research assistant self-petitioner sought EB-1A classification in nanotechnology and medical research. Claimed awards and membership criteria. AAO found appreciation letter and association membership insufficient to establish extraordinary ability. Evidence shows talent but not sustained national or international acclaim at very top level.

Plant physiology researcher sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner submitted fraudulent and altered documents including a falsified prize certificate. AAO found knowing submission of fraudulent documents and dismissed appeal with fraud finding.

A boxing trainer and coach in Turkey seeking EB-1A athletic extraordinary ability provided no evidence of national or international acclaim or ongoing work after 1986. The AAO found he failed to meet three required criteria and dismissed the appeal for lack of sustained acclaim.

Research scientist in malaria and life sciences claimed extraordinary ability based on awards, publications, peer review, and contributions. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner had not established sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at top of field despite showing research talent.

Research scientist in molecular biology claimed extraordinary ability in sciences. Submitted evidence of patents, scholarly articles, and published materials. AAO found two criteria satisfied but three required; evidence showed talent and potential but not sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner in business sought extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner filed with degrees, certificates, employment verification, and manuscript but failed to explain how evidence met regulatory criteria. After director issued notice requesting analysis against ten criteria, petitioner did not respond. Appeal dismissed for failure to address grounds for denial.