Published AAO appeal decisions

A fashion model claims extraordinary ability. She met only the judging criterion but failed awards, published material, original contributions, exhibitions, and leading role criteria. She lacked documentation for commercial success. With only one criterion met, she falls short of the three required.

A photographer seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification claimed four criteria: published material, media coverage, original contributions, and exhibitions. The AAO found only exhibitions established and rejected the others for lack of major significance, insufficient publication credentials, and absence of evidence showing sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top.

An Uzbek traditional embroiderer sought EB-1A classification, claiming five criteria. The AAO found exhibitions established but rejected membership for lack of documented selection criteria, judging for absence of formal role, and original contributions for insufficient field recognition. Director found four criteria met but AAO disagreed, finding overall record lacks evidence of sustained acclaim.

An artist and art teacher sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found she met only one of ten required criteria: exhibition displays. Her membership rating and letters of support failed to establish major contributions. The overall record did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.

Creative director claimed extraordinary ability through six criteria including awards, membership, published material, and original contributions. AAO found only judging criterion met; awards were team-based, memberships did not qualify, published material requirement unmet, and designs lacked major significance. Appeal dismissed.

A photographer self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO found he met two of ten criteria: published material and exhibitions. The appeal was dismissed because the evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or that he ranks among the small percentage at the very top of photography.

Pop artist claimed extraordinary ability, meeting published material and exhibitions criteria. On appeal claimed original contributions of major significance. AAO rejected original contributions finding that museum decisions to exhibit work and general praise letters lack specificity and probative evidence of field impact. Appeal dismissed.

Spa design and wellness professional sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner met only two criteria (judging, leading role), falling short of three-criterion requirement, and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier field status.

A master embroidery artisan claimed extraordinary ability in traditional Uzbek embroidery, alleging five criteria satisfied. The AAO upheld the Director's revocation, finding only one criterion met and rejecting the others for lack of objective evidence: no major award, unverified membership, insufficient scholarly publication, and contributions lacking demonstrated field impact.

Record label petitions for creative director as EB-1A extraordinary ability in arts. Beneficiary met two criteria (leading role, high salary) but petition failed because petitioner could not demonstrate three minimum criteria: awards were not nationally recognized, membership lacked evidence of outstanding achievement requirements, and published material lacked proper documentation.