Published AAO appeal decisions

A violinist claimed five criteria: judging and exhibitions met; awards, scholarly articles, and leading role rejected or unmet. Only two of three required criteria established. AAO dismissed appeal, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim.

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.

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.

Journalist in Brazil sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Petitioner claimed membership, published material, and scholarly articles criteria but satisfied only two: scholarly articles and published material. The AAO reversed published material finding, concluding articles focused on petitioner's works rather than the petitioner, and rejected membership as the association does not require outstanding achievements, leaving only one criterion met.