Published AAO appeal decisions

An industrial engineer sought EB-1A for renewable energy innovation. He did not claim five criteria and withdrew reliance on two others USCIS initially credited. AAO found his Ukrainian government awards lacked national recognition and did not evidence excellence in engineering. Petitioner failed initial evidentiary threshold and appeal was dismissed.

Sustainable energy engineer claimed extraordinary ability via four criteria. AAO affirmed denial, finding only one initial criterion met (original contributions), insufficient to proceed. Published materials did not appear in major media; awards lacked national recognition. Final merits determination showed rising star status but not top-tier placement.

An environmental scientist satisfied three evidentiary criteria but failed the final merits test. The AAO held recent awards and memberships lacked sustained national or international acclaim and did not demonstrate he ranked among the very top in the field, so the appeal was dismissed.