Published AAO appeal decisions

A reggae guitarist filed for EB-1A extraordinary ability claiming six criteria. The AAO affirmed the director's finding that the petitioner met only one criterion and dismissed the appeal, holding the remaining evidence insufficient to establish either a one-time achievement or three qualifying criteria.

Poet seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met awards and judging criteria but failed published material criterion due to documentation defects and unverified translations. AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.

A graphic designer and creative services manager sought EB-1A extraordinary ability status. He claimed four criteria and met three of the initial evidentiary requirements. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding he failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or standing among the small percentage at the top of the creative field.

An interior designer design director claimed four criteria: awards, published material, original contributions, and leading role. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding three criteria met and determining the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained acclaim and that petitioner qualified for extraordinary ability classification.

An illustrator and street artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed six criteria plus comparable evidence. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding at least three criteria met, sustained national acclaim established, extensive documentation provided, and prospective work benefit to the United States shown.

Interactive multimedia producer and founder seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found petitioner met only two criteria: awards and judging. Rejected membership claim. Dismissed appeal because evidence insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim and position among field's elite.

Footwear designer filed as self-petitioner for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed four criteria met. AAO sustained appeal, finding all four criteria established and that totality of evidence demonstrates sustained national/international acclaim and position among very top of field.

A miniature painter specializing in traditional art sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed because he satisfied only one of ten criteria: artistic display. Other claimed criteria failed due to insufficient evidence of recognition, and the record did not demonstrate career-level acclaim or top-tier standing in the field.

An agent petitioned to extend O-1A status for a fashion designer beneficiary. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary failed to satisfy initial evidentiary criteria. Two criteria were analyzed and rejected (lead role and commercial success), while two additional criteria claimed on appeal were reserved as unnecessary to the decision.

A software technology company petitioned for its senior creative designer as an extraordinary ability worker, asserting several evidentiary criteria. The AAO found the awards, original contributions and exhibitions criteria unmet, noting the awards belonged to the employer and letters lacked specifics. The evidence did not show sustained acclaim, so the appeal was dismissed.

Jeweler self-employed since 2006 seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO affirmed denial because only one of six claimed evidentiary criteria met. Testimonials insufficient; no evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or placement at very top of field.

A painter with training and international exhibition history claimed five criteria beyond the display criterion. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to meet at least three total criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national acclaim or membership in top-level field circles.

Fashion model petitioned for extraordinary ability. Claimed seven criteria without meeting three-criterion standard. Petitioner failed comparable evidence showing and did not establish criteria satisfaction. Appeal dismissed due to insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim among upper echelon models.

Jinghu musician sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met published material criterion through newspaper article but failed to satisfy three required criteria. Original contributions lacked evidence of major significance to field; organizations lacked distinguished reputation; evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier status. Appeal dismissed.

Multimedia designer self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on five criteria. AAO found only judging and exhibitions criteria met; published materials not in major media, and leading roles not substantiated by organizational charts or documentation. Appeal dismissed as petitioner failed to establish three criteria and sustained national or international acclaim.

A set designer for films seeks extraordinary ability classification. Met only one criterion (display/exhibitions) despite claiming additional criteria. AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or membership among the very top professionals in set design.

Pianist sought EB-1A classification. Claimed awards, published material, and judging. AAO found only judging criterion met; awards lacked national recognition and publications were not in recognized trade outlets. Appeal dismissed because insufficient criteria satisfied and no evidence of sustained acclaim.

Motion picture production designer and art director sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed, finding only two of seven claimed criteria satisfied, progression from student work to assistant positions insufficient, and no sustained national or international acclaim establishing she is among small percentage at very top of field.

Self-petitioner fashion designer and CEO seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability claimed to meet five evidentiary criteria. The AAO sustained, finding petitioner satisfied four criteria and demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim with recognition from major media and fashion industry professionals despite brief career tenure.

Documentary portrait photographer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found petitioner met four evidentiary criteria and demonstrated sustained international acclaim through critical recognition and exhibitions. Appeal sustained; petitioner qualifies as individual of extraordinary ability.

A dancer and choreographer who co-founded a dance company self-petitioned for extraordinary ability. She met judging and exhibitions criteria but failed on published material and leading role criteria. The AAO dismissed, finding her regional career insufficient for sustained national acclaim at top field level.

An artist blacksmith sought extraordinary ability classification. Although the petitioner demonstrated three evidentiary criteria met, the AAO affirmed dismissal because the evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top in the field.

Landscape architect and associate professor claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Met three initial criteria: judging, scholarly articles, and exhibitions. AAO found the three-criterion threshold satisfied but dismissed on final merits, concluding the petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained international acclaim or placement among the top percentage in the field.

A 3D artist and animator in the Philippines sought extraordinary ability classification. He claimed all ten criteria but met only two (judging and high salary). The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence of the sustained national or international acclaim and career of acclaimed work required for extraordinary ability.