Published AAO appeal decisions

Medical scientist sought extraordinary ability in sciences. Claimed six criteria but met none. AAO found judging role merely managerial, original contributions limited to employer, published articles not in major venues, and leadership role impact undemonstrated. Aggregate evidence insufficient for elite status.

A mathematics professor self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO affirmed that he satisfied only two criteria: judging and scholarly articles. His original contributions claim failed because citation counts and expert assertions did not demonstrate major significance in mathematics, and he did not reach the three-criterion threshold.

Data science researcher self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Met three evidentiary criteria but failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier status in the field. AAO dismissed appeal, finding publication record lacks recent work and citation impact insufficient.

Application developer and app company cofounder claims extraordinary ability. Met three criteria: judging, published material, and leading role for distinguished organization. AAO found evidence of sustained national and international acclaim and recognition in the field, establishing eligibility.

Journalist covering South Asia sought extraordinary ability classification. Claimed six criteria but met only one. Decision rejected award nomination, articles not about petitioner, judging unsupported by documentation, and journalism work lacking field-wide impact despite employment at distinguished news organization.

An agent sought O-1A classification for an actor beneficiary. The beneficiary satisfied only one of six required criteria; the decision found insufficient evidence of future leading roles and failed to provide required consultation from a peer group in performing arts, resulting in dismissal.

A taekwondo athlete self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability status. The petitioner claimed five criteria were met. The AAO found none satisfied: medal coverage lacked international press recognition, team membership not exclusive, media outlets unverified, judging only youth-level, and competition display not exhibition. Appeal dismissed.

A ballroom dance instructor and competitive athlete from Ukraine seeks O-1A classification. Only satisfied one of eight evidentiary criteria: judging. Awards lacked documented national recognition, membership requirements undemanding, published material regional not major, and salary not elevated. Decision held insufficient evidence to establish extraordinary ability.

A video producer and director claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO held he failed to establish initial evidence, meeting only two criteria when three were required and lacking a major internationally recognized one-time achievement. Aggregate evidence did not demonstrate the expertise level required for this classification.

Cell biologist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability in sciences. Petitioner met initial three criteria: judging, original contributions, and scholarly articles. On final merits analysis, AAO found petitioner's accomplishments not commensurate with sustained national or international acclaim required. Appeal dismissed.

Martial arts instructor and referee sought EB-1A extraordinary ability in athletics. Petitioner claimed six criteria but satisfied only judging criterion. Without three criteria met, petitioner failed initial evidence requirement. Appeal dismissed.

Kickboxer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability in athletics. Petitioner claimed five criteria on appeal. AAO found only judging criterion satisfied. Without meeting at least three criteria, petitioner failed initial evidence requirement. Appeal dismissed.