Published AAO appeal decisions

Singer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO held she met only one of ten initial criteria (judging); failed to satisfy three-criterion threshold. Evidence of awards lacked international recognition, organizational memberships uncertified, published material articles improperly documented, and overall record failed to show sustained acclaim at field's top tier.

A screenwriter, director and producer sought extraordinary ability classification. The service center accepted that three initial criteria were satisfied but found no sustained acclaim. The appeal was dismissed because the final merits review showed only one dated award and shared project success, without individual recognition at the very top of the field.

An actor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She met four evidentiary criteria but the AAO agreed with the director that the record does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or that she ranks among the top small percentage of actors in her field. Appeal dismissed.

A salsa dancer, choreographer and instructor claims extraordinary ability. The AAO affirmed dismissal because the petitioner demonstrated only two of ten required criteria: judging and exhibitions. The remaining claimed criteria were not sufficiently established, falling short of the three-criterion threshold for final merits review.

A television producer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed because the petitioner satisfied fewer than three of the required ten regulatory criteria. She failed to establish a major award, proper professional association membership, contemporaneous published material about her, and judging participation that existed at the time of filing.

A performing artist (actor, producer, theater and film) with fifteen years experience met four evidentiary criteria for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO agreed she satisfied initial evidence requirements but dismissed the appeal, finding the record lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required to demonstrate she is among the very few at the top of her field.

A videographer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found she met published material and exhibitions criteria, contrary to the Director's decision, and remanded for final merits review to assess sustained acclaim and standing among the very top in her field.

Video editor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed because petitioner met only one criterion (exhibitions); two withdrawn on review (judging, high salary lack proper evidence). Failed to meet three-criterion threshold and demonstrated no sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.