Published AAO appeal decisions

A professional dancer was proposed for O-1B classification as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts, which is outside the O-1A category. The AAO dismissed the appeal. The evidence of lead or starring roles lacked reviews and similar documentation, and the dancer was not shown to be distinguished from other professionals.

A talent management business sought O-1 classification for a singer and performer in the arts, which is not O-1A. The director denied the petition for lack of extraordinary ability evidence and missing contracts and itinerary. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because no specific error was identified and no promised brief was filed.

An agent petitioned for an experimental stage and screen actor under the O-1 category for the motion picture and television industry, which is the O-1B arts classification and not O-1A. The AAO dismissed the appeal because fewer than three evidentiary criteria were met and the evidence as a whole fell short.

A film and television producer was the beneficiary of an O-1 petition filed by a production company. The director revoked approval for lack of extraordinary achievement. The AAO withdrew that decision and remanded it so the director could consider the evidence submitted in response to the notice of intent and the petitioner's apparent dissolution.

Singer applying for O-1A visa. Petitioner claimed eligibility under seven criteria but satisfied none of three required. Award received while student not shown open to professionals; wage comparable to average levels in market. Petition fails initial evidentiary threshold. Appeal dismissed.