Published AAO appeal decisions

A cultural dancer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She claimed awards, membership, published material, original contributions, exhibitions, and leading role. The AAO affirmed that two criteria were met but found insufficient evidence of major contributions or qualifying exhibitions, and dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim.

Musical artist claimed extraordinary ability through awards and other criteria. AAO held awards criterion not met and found petitioner submitted qualifying evidence under fewer than three regulatory categories, preventing extraordinary ability classification.

Performance artist claimed published material, artistic display, and leading role criteria. AAO found published material and exhibitions criteria not met by plain language standards. Only two criteria addressed; three required. Appeal dismissed without final merits analysis.

Professional musician and composer sought EB-1A classification claiming three regulatory criteria: nationally recognized awards, published material about him, and scholarly articles. The AAO found the awards lacked national or international recognition beyond local organizations and the published material did not meet documentation requirements regarding dates, author attribution, and translations. Appeal dismissed.

Visual artist petitioner claimed four criteria for extraordinary ability. AAO found awards not nationally or internationally recognized, membership based on employment not achievement, published material lacking proper documentation, and role not critical to organizational success. Appeal dismissed.

Photographer EB-1A petitioner claimed awards, membership, judging, and published material criteria. AAO rejected awards as institution-specific; membership as single association lacking expert review boards; judging as abandoned; and publications as insufficient. No sustained acclaim shown. Appeal dismissed.

Dance instructor or choreographer petitioner claimed multiple EB-1A criteria but met only awards criterion. AAO applied Kazarian two-step test: counted evidence types and found fewer than three qualifying criteria met. Petitioner's ambiguous career focus between dance competition and instruction undermined claim. Appeal dismissed.

Dance competitor and coach petitioner claimed extraordinary ability. Director found only awards criterion met. AAO upheld awards, upgraded judging to met, but found published material inadequate. With only two qualifying criteria, petition failed threshold requirement of three types of evidence for extraordinary ability classification.