Published AAO appeal decisions

Chemistry researcher and acting instructor sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in sciences. Claimed awards, membership, and scholarly articles. AAO found patent insufficient, fellowship limited to young researchers not indicative of top-level acclaim. Appeal dismissed for failure to establish position among small percentage at very top of field.

Associate professor of mathematics at Moscow Aviation Institute. Initially approved petition was revoked for failure to meet extraordinary ability standard. AAO found awards reflected local institutional recognition only, publications lacked major media documentation, and evidence did not demonstrate top-level sustained acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

A writer and poet sought extraordinary ability classification. He claimed awards, membership, published material, and judging experience. The AAO found awards showed only institutional recognition, membership criteria unmet, published articles lacked required translations and major publication venue, and judging did not demonstrate top-tier acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

Sociology and political science researcher in Uzbekistan seeks EB-1A. Decision holds petitioner failed to meet any three criteria for extraordinary ability. Awards not established as nationally or internationally recognized; judging role documented by brief certificate lacking substantive evidence; no demonstrated major impact on field.

Self-petitioner religious educator sought extraordinary ability classification. Submitted correspondence from associates attesting to work but lacked documentary evidence meeting regulatory criteria. AAO found letters of support insufficient substitute for specific regulatory documentation such as awards, published material, or high salary, and dismissed for failure to meet three criteria.

A self-represented scholar in Buddhist and philosophical studies sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming awards, memberships, published material, judging and a leading role. The AAO agreed with the director that none of five criteria was met, since awards and memberships were not selective and the publication was self-founded, so acclaim was not shown.

An academic researcher in sciences claimed extraordinary ability through best paper awards, publications, and citations. AAO found only two of ten criteria met: published material and scholarly articles. Awards lacked documentation of national significance. Two criteria insufficient; petitioner failed to show sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of field.

Self-petitioner school teacher claimed extraordinary ability but submitted only educational credentials and reference letters unrelated to regulatory criteria. AAO held petitioner failed to meet any criterion and did not sustain the burden of proof. Appeal dismissed without substantive analysis.

A school teacher filed for EB-1A without supporting any of the ten regulatory criteria. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner submitted only educational credentials and character reference letters from church pastors, none relating to the required criteria for extraordinary ability in education.