Published AAO appeal decisions

Choreographer seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in arts. Petitioner submitted evidence of exhibitions and claimed six additional criteria. AAO found only exhibitions criterion met; awards, membership, published material, and original contributions not established; appeal dismissed.

Entertainment group petitioned for singer beneficiary for O-1A extraordinary ability. Petitioner failed to establish award-status level or three documentation forms, did not properly file for accompanying O-2 beneficiaries, and appeal was dismissed.

A disc jockey and sound producer sought extraordinary ability classification in the arts, claiming a number of regulatory criteria. The AAO treated the field as DJ and sound production, found the evidence on awards and published material insufficient, and held that three criteria were not satisfied, so it dismissed the appeal.

Self-petitioner film director and producer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found only one of six required criteria met. Evidence of awards, original contributions, exhibitions, and critical roles was insufficient or unsupported. Record lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required for the classification.

Sports journalist seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner met only judging criterion; published material and leading role criteria not established. Record lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required for classification to top small percentage in field.

Theatrical producer seeking EB-1A classification. Met four of ten initial criteria (published material, display, leading role, commercial success) but failed final merits analysis. Director's decision lacked thorough evaluation of all evidence and did not adequately explain why achievements failed to demonstrate small percentage at field top. Remanded for complete final merits analysis.

A bassoonist claiming EB-1A extraordinary ability satisfied two of ten evidentiary criteria: judging and artistic exhibitions. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to demonstrate a third required criterion and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim necessary for extraordinary ability classification.

Recording engineer and producer from Brazil claiming seven evidentiary criteria for EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found only published material criterion met, not the required three. Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement at very top of field despite successful work with well-known artists.

Audio, mixing, and recording engineer sought O-1A nonimmigrant classification through employer sponsor. Petitioner failed to establish award nomination or three of six alternate criteria. Only one criterion met (significant recognition). Lead role performances and required documentation forms not established.

Armenian pop and folk musician sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding petitioner met only two of ten criteria (awards and artistic display) but needed three, and did not demonstrate sustained national acclaim or place at top of field.