Published AAO appeal decisions

A musician appealed denial of extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal summarily because the petitioner failed to identify specific errors in the director's decision and did not submit a promised brief with additional evidence within one year.

An actor claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A, citing a leading role on a Disney Channel series and letters of recommendation. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to meet three criteria because the television role was singular and undocumented in significance, and letters lacked objective evidence of contributions to the field.

Self-petitioner in athletics (equestrian performer) claimed two criteria only. Director found failure on both original contributions and critical role criteria. Appeal summarily dismissed for failure to identify erroneous conclusions of law or fact.

Karate practitioner and coach filed self-petition claiming extraordinary ability through competition victory and four regulatory criteria. The AAO found the competition award was not major or internationally recognized, and the petitioner met none of the ten regulatory criteria. Petition dismissed because petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier field status.

Self-represented petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability across sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics. AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because petitioner made general assertions without specifically identifying erroneous director findings, failing to contest any criteria.

Wushu athlete and instructor petitioner failed to specifically address director's findings on appeal, merely reasserting achievements without responding to deficiencies. Director rejected awards, membership, publications, exhibitions, and leading role criteria. AAO dismissed appeal summarily for failure to identify erroneous conclusions and rejected combining athletic and coaching accomplishments as impermissible.

Inventor petitioner filed self-petition without identifying specific regulatory criteria in documentation or response to RFE. AAO summarily dismissed appeal because petitioner offered no substantive basis addressing erroneous conclusions and failed to establish sustained national acclaim.

Medical director claimed six EB-1A criteria. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim or extraordinary ability. Director found petitioner did not satisfy any claimed criteria, and three criteria were abandoned on appeal.

A neuroscientist filing for EB-1A extraordinary ability was denied. The petitioner established only the scholarly articles criterion but failed to meet three total criteria. The AAO found deficiencies in awards, published material about the applicant, and original contributions. The final merits determination concluded the evidence was insufficient for top-tier status.

Chef petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in culinary arts. Director found awards and leading role criteria met but rejected published material and high salary criteria. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in top percentage of field despite meeting two criteria.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as synchronized swimmer. Lacks sustained acclaim post-2003 and clear evidence of continuing in area of extraordinary ability. AAO found achievements not significantly above others in field and no credible intent to continue work in expertise area in United States.

An art director claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A based on awards, original contributions, exhibitions, leading roles, and high salary. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because counsel failed to identify specific erroneous findings and abandoned four of five criteria discussed by the director.

Violinist claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability in music, citing accomplishments including display and leading role. AAO found only two criteria met but held the evidence collectively insufficient to demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top of the field, so dismissed the appeal.

Actress claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability, citing soap opera appearances in Latin America. AAO rejected all criteria—awards, published material, original contributions, leading role, and commercial success—and dismissed appeal, finding evidence insufficient to demonstrate sustained acclaim.

Ballroom dancer claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found only one criterion met and rejected claims about one-time achievement and additional criteria. Dismissed appeal, holding evidence insufficient to demonstrate sustained acclaim at the field's very top.

Jewelry designer self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability status. AAO upheld denial across awards, publications, contributions, and leadership criteria, finding solicited letters insufficient and routine duties inadequate for sustained national or international acclaim.

Employer petitioned for scientist beneficiary claiming extraordinary ability in sciences. AAO upheld denial, finding one criterion met but three required; letters and salary evidence insufficient for major significance; failed to demonstrate beneficiary among small percentage at field top.

Martial arts instructor claims extraordinary ability. Presented old awards, association membership, and leading role at organization. AAO found one criterion met but awards too old to show sustained acclaim, membership inadequate, and overall evidence insufficient for sustained national or international acclaim at very top. Appeal dismissed.

Postdoctoral researcher in life sciences claimed extraordinary ability under six criteria. The AAO found only two criteria possibly met, below the required three, and concluded the evidence failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field by 2007.

Art director self-petitioner for EB-1A claimed awards, publications, original contributions, exhibitions, and leading critical role. AAO found only original contributions criterion met. Award receipt not documented; publications not about petitioner; emerging artists exhibit insufficient; art director role not leading or critical. Appeal dismissed.

A research scientist claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability in life sciences based on fellowship, association membership, publications, and guest speaking. The AAO dismissed, finding the fellowship undocumented, membership not based on outstanding achievement, publications routine to the field, no judging role, and insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim.

Microbiologist filed self-petition seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed at least three regulatory criteria including original contributions and scholarly articles. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.

Self-represented athlete with multiple claimed fields (running, wrestling) sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO found no established primary field of endeavor, no documented prizes, and no evidence of sustained acclaim or critical role in any field.

Singer petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner claimed awards, published materials, leading role, and commercial success criteria. AAO withdrew director's findings on awards and published materials for insufficient evidentiary support, found leading role and commercial success unmet, and concluded petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of her field.

A dermatologist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed membership, published material, judging, scholarly articles, and critical role. The AAO found none met the standard for sustained national or international acclaim at the field's very top, dismissing the appeal.