Published AAO appeal decisions

Athletic coach sought extraordinary ability classification. Met two criteria (awards and leading role) but needed three. AAO rejected argument that same evidence satisfies membership criterion separately, finding petitioner lacked sustained national or international acclaim at coaching's very top level.

A Peking opera performer claimed extraordinary ability through awards and association membership. The AAO found awards limited by age are not nationally recognized, membership evidence insufficient, and aggregate evidence insufficient to show sustained acclaim at the top of the field.

A graphic designer claimed extraordinary ability through student awards and association membership. The AAO rejected student-level awards as insufficient, found no evidence of membership requirements for outstanding achievement, and concluded aggregate evidence fails to show top-level sustained acclaim.

Professional soccer player and instructor seeking EB-1A classification as self-petitioner. Claimed awards and published material from 1990s; intended to work as coach in United States. AAO found awards too old and awards from unclear league, articles stale, and coaching distinct from competitive playing. Appeal dismissed.

A businessman in concrete technology claimed extraordinary ability through family honors, association membership, and published material. The AAO found family honors do not apply to petitioner, membership criteria unmet, articles insufficient, and aggregate evidence insufficient to establish top-level sustained acclaim.

A writer from Nepal claimed extraordinary ability through an award, published material, and judging experience. The AAO found the award predated filing by six years insufficient for sustained acclaim, publications either incidental or too old, local volunteer judging insufficient, and poor English proficiency undermined intent to work as U.S. writer.

A performing artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed Filipino Awit Award and association membership. AAO held Awit Award reflects only national, not international, recognition; insufficient to meet criteria; and petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained top-level acclaim or intent to continue work in United States.

An actor previously approved for EB-1A sought reclassification. Claimed award nominations and commercial success. AAO held nominations are insufficient; actual award receipt required; critical and commercial success are distinct; and current evidence fails to show sustained top-level acclaim despite prior approval.

Jockey claimed extraordinary ability in athletics through awards, published materials, and critical role. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level of the profession.

Postdoctoral research fellow in muscle biology and insulin-like growth factor research claimed extraordinary ability through awards, memberships, peer review, and contributions. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner failed to meet three of ten criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

A journalist and business professional in Nepal petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in business. The AAO found that a single national award from 1991 and general documentation of journalistic influence were insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very best in the field.

Mixed media artist self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in arts, met published materials and exhibitions criteria but failed to meet required third criterion. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top level.

Senior device engineer self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in sciences under three criteria: awards, membership. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner met no criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim necessary for top-level classification.

Athlete in arts and athletics claimed three EB-1A criteria and argued three criteria suffice. AAO dismissed because awards from amateur competitions do not show extraordinary ability, and petitioner failed to demonstrate intent to continue work in United States.

Entertainment company petitioner sought classification for beneficiary Vice President as extraordinary ability immigrant. AAO affirmed denial, finding beneficiary failed to meet any of five claimed criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top level.

Martial artist and nonprofit organization founder claimed extraordinary ability through athletic achievements and planned business activities. AAO affirmed denial, finding no evidence of nationally recognized competitive prizes since 2001, no qualifying published material, and no clear commitment to expertise area in the United States.

Actress claimed extraordinary ability through work in award-winning productions, professional association memberships, and media references. AAO affirmed denial, finding awards belonged to organizations not her individually, union memberships lacked outstanding achievement requirement, and media references were incidental.

Television producer claimed extraordinary ability through work on major news programs, colleague recognition, and work at prominent media outlet. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient documentation of national recognition, recommendation letters alone insufficient to show original contributions of major significance.

Peking Opera performer claimed extraordinary ability through competition wins and professional association membership. AAO affirmed denial, finding awards lacked evidence of national or international recognition, association membership did not require outstanding achievement, and overall evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top.

Marathon runner sought EB-1A classification based on race medals and organizational memberships. Petitioner submitted photographs of awards and participation certificates without corroborating documentation. AAO found evidence showed participation in numerous marathons but no performance indicating national or international acclaim.

Veterinarian and laboratory head sought EB-1A classification on self-petition. Claimant submitted evidence of VPAP award, professional memberships, conference paper presentation, and board certification. AAO found award criteria reflected service length rather than excellence, memberships lacked outstanding achievement requirement, and no comparative salary documentation provided.

Amateur kickboxer seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed awards from Asian Games and amateur championships; national team participation. AAO affirmed director's finding that petitioner failed to meet awards criterion and did not establish requisite acclaim. Appeal dismissed for failure to specifically address errors.

Swimmer and coach petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field either as athlete or coach. AAO found no evidence of intention to continue in area of expertise and dismissed appeal for failing to meet EB-1A requirements.

Actor petitioner claimed extraordinary ability and met three regulatory criteria: awards, published material, and judging. AAO affirmed all three were satisfied and found the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained national acclaim and extraordinary ability qualifying for EB-1A classification.

Singer petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field. AAO found awards too dated, published material evidence inadequate, judging and original contributions criteria unmet, and dismissed appeal for insufficient extraordinary ability evidence.