Published AAO appeal decisions

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.

A machine shop petitioned for a beneficiary for EB-1A extraordinary ability. No evidence of major award or three regulatory criteria was submitted despite notice of intent to deny. AAO found no sustained acclaim or evidence of intent to continue work in the United States, dismissing the appeal.

A medical scientist's EB-1A petition was initially approved then revoked by California Service Center. AAO upheld revocation, finding petitioner failed to satisfy three regulatory criteria and lacked sustained acclaim placing him at the top of his scientific field.

A business researcher petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in business. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding petitioner met only two required criteria; evidence of talent insufficient to establish sustained national or international acclaim or placement at the very top of the field.

Employer-sponsored petition for beneficiary claiming extraordinary ability in the arts. Previously approved petition revoked. Award analyzed and found to reflect only provincial recognition. No clear evidence of continued work in area of expertise in United States. Revocation sustained.

Gladiator athlete sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO upheld denial finding insufficient primary evidence of awards, non-qualifying membership, and articles lacking national or international reach; expert letter opinions cannot form cornerstone of claim.

Female vocalist in Argentina sought extraordinary ability based on international song festival award and published materials. AAO dismissed finding no primary award evidence, articles lacking national reach, and insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim at top level.

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.

Fine artist petitioned for extraordinary ability classification claiming awards, judging, and published material. AAO found awards lacked national recognition, judging criterion unmet as residencies are not prizes, and publications in small media insufficient. Evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at very top national or international level.

Natural bodybuilder sought EB-1A classification claiming five criteria met. AAO found competitive achievements limited to amateur tournaments without evidence of national or international recognition. Appeal dismissed because petitioner failed to establish sustained acclaim at top level.

Software engineer petitioner claimed four criteria for extraordinary ability classification. AAO found the awards criterion met but withdrawn published material and original contributions criteria as not meeting acclaim standard. Scholarly articles criterion also failed. Overall, evidence insufficient to establish sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.

Competitive rifleman from Venezuela sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in athletics. Met awards criterion with 2002 South American Games medal but failed to demonstrate sustained international acclaim after 2003 or meet three required criteria. Appeal dismissed for insufficient evidence of continued excellence.

Sambo athlete petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in athletics. Claimed awards at junior-level championships and association membership. AAO found junior competitions not at top level, awards unverified, membership criteria unmet, and competitive victories insufficient as original contributions. Appeal dismissed.

Oil painter filed EB-1A petition with evidence of exhibitions in multiple countries. AAO found exhibitions criterion met but rejected awards, membership, and publications as lacking national or international recognition. Overall evidence insufficient to establish extraordinary ability at field's apex.

Commercial printing company petitioner seeking classification for beneficiary in business. Claimed beneficiary won prestigious awards and selections; AAO found special assignments and cadet-level awards lack required national or international recognition. Evidence insufficient to show extraordinary ability among small percentage at top of field.

Artist seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability in the arts. Petitioner submitted evidence relating to awards, publications, scholarly articles, leading role, and commercial success criteria. AAO held none met; no sustained acclaim demonstrated and record contained no evidence of sustained acclaim after U.S. entry.

Biophysics researcher seeking EB-1A in sciences. Counsel submitted brief and evidence addressing awards, membership, judging, original contributions, and scholarly articles criteria. AAO upheld denial, finding only scholarly articles criterion met but overall evidence insufficient for extraordinary ability at very top level of field.