Published AAO appeal decisions

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.

Mountain climber and instructor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Claimed lesser awards and published material criteria. AAO found 1996-1997 certificates too remote for sustained acclaim, no instructor awards or student recognition, published material insufficient. Past climbing success not sustained through teaching.

Elvis performer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed three criteria: lesser awards, published material, and high salary. AAO found no nationally recognized prize, one article insufficient for sustained acclaim, no salary documentation. Petition lacks evidence of sustained acclaim required for extraordinary ability.

Hypnotherapist and entertainer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to meet any of the regulatory criteria and did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim placing him at the very top of his 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.

Self-petitioner initially approved for EB-1A extraordinary ability, then revocation proceeding initiated. Met awards criterion but failed membership and published material criteria. AAO sustained revocation, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field.

Track and field coach sought EB-1A classification for extraordinary ability in athletics, citing coaching achievements and participant Olympic medals. The AAO rejected the awards criterion as the petitioner coached rather than personally won major awards, found published material inadmissible because post-filed, and held overall evidence insufficient for sustained national or international acclaim at the field's top.

A wrestler sought extraordinary ability classification. The AAO reviewed six criteria but found no evidence supporting any. Petitioner submitted no documentation of awards, membership, publications, or leadership roles. Evidence failed to demonstrate sustained national acclaim or that petitioner stood among the very top in the field.

A karate competitor filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability through awards, membership, media coverage, and judging criteria. The AAO found one criterion met but concluded the overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the small percentage at the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.

Professional soccer player and instructor seeking EB-1A classification as self-petitioner. Claimed awards and published material from 1990s; intended to work as coach in United States. AAO found awards too old and awards from unclear league, articles stale, and coaching distinct from competitive playing. Appeal dismissed.

Jockey claimed extraordinary ability in athletics through awards, published materials, and critical role. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level of the profession.

Martial artist and nonprofit organization founder claimed extraordinary ability through athletic achievements and planned business activities. AAO affirmed denial, finding no evidence of nationally recognized competitive prizes since 2001, no qualifying published material, and no clear commitment to expertise area in the United States.