Published AAO appeal decisions

An academic or educator claimed three evidentiary criteria were satisfied. Although technically meeting the judging, original contributions, and scholarly articles categories, the AAO found the evidence reflected routine duties rather than sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field, failing the final merits determination.

A researcher filed a self-petition for EB-1A extraordinary ability status. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or that achievements placed them among the very top in their field of research.

An environmental educator filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability. The AAO upheld denial because the petitioner failed to satisfy the plain language requirements of the judging criterion and did not submit qualifying evidence under at least three of the ten criteria required for extraordinary ability classification.

Educator and end-of-life choices activist EB-1A petitioner claimed awards criterion through nominations and finalist designations. AAO upheld director finding that nominations alone do not satisfy receipt requirement. Final merits determination found evidence insufficient to show sustained national acclaim. Appeal dismissed.