Published AAO appeal decisions

Technology professional petitioner claimed extraordinary ability as computer scientist based on employer awards and IEEE membership. AAO held employer awards reflect internal recognition only, not nationally recognized prizes; IEEE membership requires education, not outstanding achievement. Evidence insufficient for top-level sustained acclaim.

Employer-sponsored petitioner established extraordinary ability through meeting three regulatory criteria: awards, memberships, and scholarly articles with substantial citation impact. AAO found the total evidence demonstrated sustained national acclaim and pattern placing beneficiary among the very top in field. Petition approved.

A solo musician petitioned for EB-1A classification based on extraordinary ability in the arts. The AAO found that claimed awards, memberships, published material, and exhibitions failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the field, and dismissed the appeal.

Chemistry researcher and acting instructor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in sciences. Claimed awards, membership, and scholarly articles. AAO found patent insufficient, fellowship limited to young researchers not indicative of top-level acclaim. Appeal dismissed for failure to establish position among small percentage at very top of field.

Visual artist claimed extraordinary ability in the arts through awards and other criteria. AAO found artist-in-residence program not a nationally recognized award and that overall evidence demonstrated talent with widespread exposure but insufficient achievement for top of field.

Research scientist in osteoblast development claimed extraordinary ability in sciences. AAO found plenary poster presentations insufficient as awards, membership criterion unmet, and publication insufficient for sustained national acclaim. Evidence showed talent but not top-tier achievement.

Pharmacology researcher sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed fellowships and professional memberships. AAO found fellowships designed for early-career researchers lack prestige, memberships either post-dated petition or lacked stringent requirements, and evidence insufficient to show top-field distinction.

A nonprofit research foundation sponsored a policy analyst as extraordinarily able in economics. The AAO rejected student scholarships, professional memberships, media appearances as published material, and judging roles as insufficient. Aggregate evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-level achievement.

Design and architectural firm filed EB-1A for architect beneficiary, claiming award, membership, and publication criteria. AAO rejected awards as unrecognized and membership as routine professional qualification. Published materials insufficient. Overall evidence does not establish extraordinary ability.

Phlebology professional claiming extraordinary ability in sciences. Petitioner submitted evidence of awards, membership, and published material. AAO found awards lacked national or international recognition, membership did not meet regulatory requirements, and published materials were not primarily about the petitioner. Petition denied.

Equestrian professional seeking extraordinary ability classification in athletics. Petitioner met awards criterion through competitions in South America prior to 2003, but AAO found prize evidence diminished by lack of Grand Prix level success. Did not meet membership or published material criteria. Overall, evidence insufficient to demonstrate small percentage status at very top of field.

System analyst and director of applied clinical informatics sponsored by employer. Counsel claimed beneficiary earned prestigious prizes and awards; AAO found bonuses and incentives do not qualify as nationally or internationally recognized awards. Evidence shows talent but insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at top level.

Dance teacher and competitive dancer self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. AAO found only three criteria addressed: awards from youth and amateur competitions insufficient, no published material in major media, and coaching success limited to youth level. Appeal dismissed despite adequate evidence of intended continued work.