Published AAO appeal decisions

Dance studio petitioned for dance instructor beneficiary for O-1A classification. Service center found one criterion met. AAO affirmed that beneficiary met only one criterion and rejected original contributions claim based on lack of evidence of major significance. Petition dismissed as beneficiary failed to satisfy three-criterion requirement.

A talent agency petitioned for O-1A classification of a photographer claiming extraordinary ability. The applicant failed to meet the evidentiary criteria: published material lacked proper documentation and major publication status, and critical recognition letters came from non-photography experts. The appeal was dismissed.

A boutique pastry shop petitioned to classify its executive head pastry chef under O-1A extraordinary ability. The beneficiary claimed five criteria. The AAO found recommendation letters do not constitute required evidentiary forms, online publication does not meet major publication standard, and salary evidence was insufficient, dismissing the appeal.

An artist agent, who is also a professor of studio arts, petitioned for a fine artist under the O-1 classification for extraordinary ability in the arts. This is O-1B, not O-1A. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the evidence did not satisfy three of the alternative regulatory criteria.

A car restoration company sponsored a Brazilian restoration designer and fabricator for O-1A visa. Director found one criterion met (significant recognition). Petitioner claimed five others on appeal. AAO found none met: no evidence of future lead role, no national recognition in major publications, no commercial success, and prospective salary not demonstrably high for the field.

An art studio/gallery petitioned for an artist beneficiary for O-1A classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary was neither nominated for nor received a qualifying award, and satisfied fewer than three of the six required criteria, failing to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the arts.