Published AAO appeal decisions

Self-petitioner athlete sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed awards, scholarly articles, and exhibitions criteria. AAO found awards lacked recognition beyond presenting organizations, single article insufficient for sustained acclaim requirement, and no evidence of significant artistic venue exhibitions. Appeal dismissed because petitioner failed three-criterion threshold.

Soccer player claims extraordinary ability in athletics. Asserted awards, published material, and exhibition criteria. AAO found Second Division medals not highest level, runner-up trophies not nationally recognized, newspaper mentions not in major media, and exhibition criterion inapplicable to athletes. Evidence insufficient for sustained top-level acclaim.

A mass communications educator sought extraordinary ability classification in education. The director denied for lack of continued work in the field. The AAO upheld that, withdrew the director's favorable acclaim finding, and found the claimed criteria unmet and no showing of top-of-field standing, so the appeal was dismissed.

Photographer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO upheld director's denial, finding petitioner showed professional success and talent but failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim necessary for top-tier classification.

Self-petitioner painter sought extraordinary ability classification. Evidence included membership in Dokuritsu Art Association with national recognition requirements, exhibitions at Tokyo Art Museum and New York galleries, and published material. AAO found petitioner met three criteria, established sustained national acclaim, and showed plans to continue work in United States; petition approved.

Employer-sponsored petition for miniaturist artist claiming extraordinary ability through awards and exhibitions. AAO reversed one director finding on exhibitions but upheld dismissal, finding only two criteria met instead of required three. Evidence showed talent but not the sustained national acclaim required for top-tier field status.

Musician claimed extraordinary ability based on judging, publications, original contributions, scholarly articles, and exhibitions. AAO found musician met judging criterion but failed publications, original contributions, scholarly articles, and exhibitions criteria. Evidence demonstrated talent and some national exposure but not sustained acclaim at the very top level.

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.