Published AAO appeal decisions

Tattoo artist claimed five criteria for extraordinary ability classification. Met two initial evidentiary criteria but failed three additional ones: awards lacked national significance, original contributions not demonstrated, and critical role unsubstantiated. AAO affirmed dismissal; evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim.

A dance instructor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Although meeting judging and leading role criteria, she failed to demonstrate original contributions of major significance or high salary relative to the field. The record lacked sufficient evidence of national or international acclaim required for the classification.

Visual artist seeks extraordinary ability classification. Met one criterion on artistic display; claimed original contributions and high salary but failed both. Without three initial criteria met, final merits determination unnecessary; dismissal warranted.

A creative technologist employed in interactive multimedia displays petitioned for EB-1A classification. Two criteria were met: critical role and exhibitions. The AAO dismissed the appeal because only two of three required criteria were satisfied and final merits showed no sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

A painter sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed membership, published material, original contributions, and scholarly articles criteria. The AAO found he satisfied only one initial criterion and failed to meet the required three. Appeal dismissed because the petitioner did not establish extraordinary ability through sustained national or international acclaim.

Architect sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming five criteria. AAO found petitioner satisfied only publication criterion. Recognition was predominantly local rather than national or international; petitioner did not demonstrate being among the small percentage at the very top of the field.

Industrial engineer sought EB-1A classification. Met four evidentiary criteria but AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner had not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or achieved ranking among small percentage at top of field; appeared early in career.

A visual effects artist employed at an animation studio claimed six criteria for extraordinary ability. The AAO found published materials criterion met but original contributions not met due to vague letters. At final merits, the decision held the petitioner lacked sustained acclaim despite being talented and promising, therefore not meeting the extraordinary ability standard.

Self-petitioner artist and former professor claiming extraordinary ability as painter. Met three evidentiary criteria: exhibitions, scholarly articles, and judging. AAO found the final merits step failed: evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the small percentage at the top of the field.

Architectural designer claimed three EB-1A criteria. Director found two met (awards, published material); petitioner appealed original contributions criterion. AAO dismissed: petitioner did not demonstrate original contributions of major significance or influence beyond individual projects. Final merits also failed; record showed successful career but not top-tier sustained acclaim.

A reggae guitarist filed for EB-1A extraordinary ability claiming six criteria. The AAO affirmed the director's finding that the petitioner met only one criterion and dismissed the appeal, holding the remaining evidence insufficient to establish either a one-time achievement or three qualifying criteria.

An interior designer design director claimed four criteria: awards, published material, original contributions, and leading role. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding three criteria met and determining the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained acclaim and that petitioner qualified for extraordinary ability classification.

Footwear designer filed as self-petitioner for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed four criteria met. AAO sustained appeal, finding all four criteria established and that totality of evidence demonstrates sustained national/international acclaim and position among very top of field.

A miniature painter specializing in traditional art sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed because he satisfied only one of ten criteria: artistic display. Other claimed criteria failed due to insufficient evidence of recognition, and the record did not demonstrate career-level acclaim or top-tier standing in the field.

A software technology company petitioned for its senior creative designer as an extraordinary ability worker, asserting several evidentiary criteria. The AAO found the awards, original contributions and exhibitions criteria unmet, noting the awards belonged to the employer and letters lacked specifics. The evidence did not show sustained acclaim, so the appeal was dismissed.

Jeweler self-employed since 2006 seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO affirmed denial because only one of six claimed evidentiary criteria met. Testimonials insufficient; no evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or placement at very top of field.

Jinghu musician sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met published material criterion through newspaper article but failed to satisfy three required criteria. Original contributions lacked evidence of major significance to field; organizations lacked distinguished reputation; evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier status. Appeal dismissed.

Motion picture production designer and art director sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed, finding only two of seven claimed criteria satisfied, progression from student work to assistant positions insufficient, and no sustained national or international acclaim establishing she is among small percentage at very top of field.

Documentary portrait photographer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found petitioner met four evidentiary criteria and demonstrated sustained international acclaim through critical recognition and exhibitions. Appeal sustained; petitioner qualifies as individual of extraordinary ability.

Landscape architect and associate professor claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Met three initial criteria: judging, scholarly articles, and exhibitions. AAO found the three-criterion threshold satisfied but dismissed on final merits, concluding the petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained international acclaim or placement among the top percentage in the field.

A ballet dancer and master teacher met only one criterion (judging). The AAO rejected claims of awards, published material in major media, and original contributions of major significance. European theatre performances and teaching did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.

A Serbian folk singer claims extraordinary ability. She failed to establish awards as nationally or internationally recognized, membership in qualifying associations, or published material in major media. Original contributions lacked evidence of major significance. No criteria met; extraordinary ability not demonstrated.

A photographer self-petitioner claims extraordinary ability under EB-1A, satisfying judging and exhibitions criteria. The AAO affirmed the service center's denial because the petitioner failed to meet three required criteria: membership in elite association, original contributions of major significance, and a leading role in a distinguished organization. The evidence lacked specificity and corroboration of field recognition.

An actor in theater, film, and television in the United States and South Africa claimed extraordinary ability under five criteria. The AAO found he met only published material; his letters on original contributions and leading roles lacked specificity and corroboration of major significance. He failed to demonstrate the required three criteria or extraordinary ability.

Illustrator and art director. Claimed extraordinary ability via awards, published material, judging, original contributions, exhibitions, and leading role. AAO found two criteria met but lacked evidence of sustained acclaim or top small percentage placement, dismissing appeal.