Published AAO appeal decisions

Ballet dancer and instructor petitioned by ballet company. Claimed four criteria: exhibitions, awards, published material, and leading/critical role. AAO found only exhibitions met, rejecting awards for lack of recognition evidence, published material for insufficient focus and source quality, and critical role for failure to show responsibility for organizational success.

A figure skater self-petitioner claimed four EB-1A criteria. The AAO found only exhibitions met. Published material lacked required documentation; leading/critical role and high salary failed to meet plain language requirements. With fewer than three criteria met, no final merits analysis was conducted; appeal dismissed.

Irish dance teacher seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Meets judging and leading/critical role criteria but only two of ten required; fails to establish original contributions, awards, membership, published material, or high salary. Lacks evidence of sustained acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

Fashion designer and photographer sought extraordinary ability classification. Claimed six criteria met. AAO found only two met (exhibitions and critical role), insufficient for threshold. Final merits not addressed as initial evidence requirement failed. Appeal dismissed.

A symphony orchestra petitioned to employ a pianist as O-1A nonimmigrant. The petitioner claimed extraordinary ability through awards, lead performer status, published recognition, and commercial success. The AAO found the petitioner failed to demonstrate a significant national or international award and satisfied none of four claimed evidentiary criteria, dismissing the appeal.