Published AAO appeal decisions

Stage construction and engineering professional sought EB-1A extraordinary ability for art, theatre, and film work. AAO held three criteria satisfied (published material, judging, leading roles) but record failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability classification.

Cultural director sought EB-1A classification. Met three evidentiary criteria: published material, judging, and leading role. However, AAO dismissed appeal finding no sustained national or international acclaim. Media coverage limited to local newspaper until 2008 with no subsequent prominence; failed to demonstrate career of acclaimed work or presence among field's very top.

An omakase chef sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found the petitioner met two initial criteria but failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim; Michelin recognition was local, not national, and did not establish extraordinary ability among the very top.

A dance studio petitions for an O-1A visa for a dance instructor. The AAO found only one criterion met (published material) and rejected the judge criterion by withdrawing the service center's approval. It found original contributions insufficiently shown and determined the petitioner failed to meet the threshold of three criteria.

A video game production company sought EB-1A classification for an environment concept art lead. The petitioner claimed five criteria on appeal. The AAO found only the critical role criterion met. Insufficient evidence of three required criteria led the AAO to dismiss the appeal.

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.

Speculative designer claimed seven extraordinary ability criteria. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding only two criteria met (scholarly articles and artistic display). Award lacked international recognition documentation, article published in non-major media, and leading role was contract work lacking organizational distinction. Overall evidence did not establish upper-echelon status.

A pastry chef sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed six evidentiary criteria beyond the one initially found met by the director. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner satisfied only one criterion when at least three were required, and lacked sustained national or international acclaim.

A musician and trumpet player sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed five evidentiary criteria; AAO found two met (awards, exhibitions) and three not met (published material, membership, leading role). AAO concluded petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the field, dismissing the appeal.

Fashion and lifestyle blogger seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed eight criteria beyond leading role already conceded. AAO affirmed director's findings that awards lacked field recognition, memberships did not qualify, published material source was not major media, and judging post-dated filing. Appeal dismissed for failing three-criterion threshold.

A dance instructor seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification claimed four criteria. The Director found only judging satisfied. On appeal, the petitioner could not establish three of ten required criteria. The AAO dismissed, holding that the record lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim and does not demonstrate membership in the top small percentage of the field.

Interior design business petitioned for senior interior designer O-1A nonimmigrant classification. AAO affirmed dismissal finding beneficiary met only published materials and recognition criteria; did not satisfy three-criterion threshold; petitioner also lacked valid U.S. employer status.

A watercolor artist seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO remanded because the Director's denial lacked complete analysis and sufficient explanation for rejecting several criteria claimed by the petitioner; Director must re-examine evidence and provide detailed reasoning.

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.

An artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner met only one of ten evidentiary criteria and failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for the final merits determination.

Executive sous chef in O-1 visa status sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner met none of three analyzed criteria: published material lacked evidence of being about him, high salary fell below top earners, and evidence insufficient for leading or critical role finding.

Fashion designer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification emphasizing sustainable clothing and domestic vendors. AAO dismissed appeal; petitioner met only two of required three criteria (published material and exhibitions) and failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier standing.