Published AAO appeal decisions

Singer applying for O-1A visa. Petitioner claimed eligibility under seven criteria but satisfied none of three required. Award received while student not shown open to professionals; wage comparable to average levels in market. Petition fails initial evidentiary threshold. Appeal dismissed.

Horse racing trainer sought O-1A classification as an artist, but AAO determined the occupation (race horse training and business operation) falls within business or athletics, not the arts. Petitioner self-petitioned, which is impermissible for O-1A. Appeal dismissed on multiple independent grounds.

A self-represented individual sought special immigrant classification as a battered spouse of a U.S. citizen, not an O-1A visa. The AAO dismissed the appeal because she did not establish that she suffered battery or extreme cruelty or that she has good moral character, lacking supporting documentation.

A self-represented individual filed a self-petition as the battered spouse of a U.S. citizen, not an O-1A petition. The director denied it for lack of proof of abuse and good moral character. The AAO dismissed the appeal because unsupported statements and missing police clearances failed to meet the burden of proof.