Published AAO appeal decisions

An economist with over 100 scholarly publications claims extraordinary ability in EB-1A. Director found five criteria met but denied on final merits, claiming insufficient sustained acclaim. AAO reversed, finding the petitioner's 20-year career with continuous publications and recognition demonstrates sustained national acclaim among top economists.

An assistant professor and researcher in finance and economics with a PhD seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. Petitioner proposed developing machine learning techniques for finance applications. AAO found all three Dhanasar prongs satisfied: the endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, petitioner is well-positioned to advance it through his education and experience, and waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the United States.

Assistant professor of finance seeks national interest waiver for EB-2 based on real estate research. Director found substantial merit but not national importance. AAO reversed, finding research on environmental, social, governance impacts and market solutions has national importance through academic dissemination. Petitioner meets all three Dhanasar prongs.

Senior director in business/economics seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO sustained appeal, finding petitioner met three evidentiary criteria (scholarly articles, leading role, high salary) and demonstrated sustained acclaim at the very top of field through extensive documentation.

Financial journalist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Met at least three criteria including awards, judging/leading roles, and published material. AAO sustained appeal, finding record demonstrated sustained national acclaim and expertise indicating top small percentage in journalism field.