Published AAO appeal decisions

Dog handling company seeks O-1A classification for professional handler. Beneficiary established one criterion: awards. Membership and high salary criteria not met; other claimed criteria not analyzed. Petition also failed contract requirement. Appeal dismissed for insufficient evidentiary criteria and missing employment contract.

Social services organization petitioned for O-1A nonimmigrant visa for traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist. Beneficiary claimed four criteria but satisfied only one. AAO affirmed denial, finding no major award and fewer than three criteria met; insufficient for O-1A eligibility.

A Chinese language teacher at a private high school sought O-1A classification for extraordinary ability in education. The petitioner claimed the beneficiary met two of eight evidentiary criteria through awards and professional memberships. The AAO found neither criterion satisfied because the awards lacked national or international recognition and the associations did not require outstanding achievement for membership.

A taekwondo school sought O-1 extension for an athlete-turned-instructor. The AAO found beneficiary satisfied none of eight evidentiary criteria: awards lacked proper translation and recognition, membership reflected experience not achievement, published material was incomplete, and judging duties were administrative. The AAO dismissed the appeal.