Published AAO appeal decisions

Tattoo artist filed motion to reconsider AAO dismissal of EB-1A appeal. AAO had found five criteria met but denied final merits. Motion contests one-time achievement and lesser awards determinations. AAO affirms second place award is not major or internationally recognized and petitioner has not shown sufficient national or international recognition of his awards.

An archival researcher and producer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She met two of six claimed criteria: judging and artistic display. The AAO dismissed her appeal because the evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or that she represented a career of acclaimed work at the very top of her field.

Salsa dancer, choreographer, and instructor on third motion to reopen. Met three regulatory criteria but failed final merits determination. AAO found insufficient sustained acclaim and placement among very top of field despite new evidence submission.

A traditional Uzbek jeweler met two criteria on appeal but failed to establish the required three. Membership claims contained inconsistent documentation and conflicting dates; published material appeared in non-qualifying sources or after the deadline; original contributions lacked documentation of major significance.

A tattoo artist self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO found two of three required initial criteria met: lesser awards and artistic exhibitions. However, the final merits analysis concluded the totality of evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability status.

Ballroom dance choreographer petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification on motion. AAO found petitioner failed to meet at least three required criteria: awards lacked sufficient documentation, memberships did not require outstanding achievements, training manual showed no major significance, leading role claim unsubstantiated, and salary data was incomparable. Motion dismissed.

Tattoo artist with over twenty years experience claimed major award and six alternate criteria. AAO found published material, judging, original contributions, and high salary satisfied, but sustained acclaim insufficient. Decision dismissed appeal for lack of evidence of small percentage at very top of field.

A photojournalist claims extraordinary ability in EB-1A. The AAO found SCOPS' decision contained factual errors and insufficient analysis, requiring remand. The decision lacked detailed consideration of evidence and failed to address all claimed criteria, warranting re-evaluation by SCOPS.

A salsa dancer, choreographer, and instructor self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed motions to reopen and reconsider, finding she met three criteria but failed final merits determination showing sustained acclaim at the very top of her field.

Conceptual artist met three EB-1A criteria (at least one established as published material); SCOPS had rejected membership and scholarships. AAO found published material criterion satisfied, meeting minimum threshold. Matter remanded for final merits determination to evaluate sustained national or international acclaim.

An embossing artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The service center found two criteria met: judging and display. On appeal, the petitioner claimed four additional criteria but the AAO rejected awards, published materials, and original contributions for lack of specificity and documentation. With only two criteria met, the appeal was dismissed.

A singer-composer self-petitioned for EB-1A. Demonstrated two criteria: lesser awards and exhibition display. Failed to establish three required criteria. AAO affirmed denial because the evidentiary threshold was not met, reserving final merits analysis.

Video game developer petitioned for senior animator as extraordinary ability in arts. SCOPS found beneficiary met one criterion (judging); AAO dismissed, holding beneficiary met only judging criterion and failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim or elite status.

Cosmetics innovator claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability for stamp crease tool invention and artistic displays. AAO affirmed denial, finding no recognized awards, insufficient evidence of original contribution, and failure to establish three criteria. Lack of sustained national or international acclaim found.

Wedding and event planner specialist seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed major award and three evidentiary criteria. AAO dismissed, finding no major award, unmet criteria for lesser awards and original contributions, and record lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier field status.

Hairstylist seeking EB-1A classification based on extraordinary ability. Claimed six criteria across salon work and styling innovation. AAO dismissed because petitioner satisfied fewer than three criteria; evidence concentrated in short time period and limited geography without sustained national or international recognition.

Comedy performer claimed seven extraordinary ability criteria including awards, published material, and original contributions. Met only exhibitions criterion. Awards and published material criteria failed on evidence defects. Did not reach remaining criteria because petitioner cannot numerically qualify. Appeal dismissed.

Musician transitioning to music director sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Director found petitioner met zero criteria; AAO affirmed that awards and membership claims failed and overall evidence did not establish sustained acclaim or elite status. Appeal dismissed.

Master hairstylist and general manager in hairstyling seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability. Established three of ten criteria through publications, artistic display, and critical role. AAO dismissed appeal finding press coverage and showcase participation insufficient to establish sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier status.