Published AAO appeal decisions

Medical researcher sought extraordinary ability as alien of extraordinary ability. Failed to establish receipt of nationally recognized awards or membership requiring outstanding achievement. Did not meet three required criteria or demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top level of the field.

Postdoctoral research fellow in muscle biology and insulin-like growth factor research claimed extraordinary ability through awards, memberships, peer review, and contributions. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner failed to meet three of ten criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.

Researcher in zoology and behavioral therapy sought EB-1A classification. Petitioner claimed original contributions and scholarly articles but provided only a recommendation letter stating her analysis was thorough and a lecture synopsis with no publication evidence. AAO found insufficient documentation of sustained acclaim and dismissed the appeal.

Postdoctoral researcher in sciences claimed extraordinary ability under awards, membership, and published material criteria. AAO found petitioner met one criterion (membership in Sigma Xi and ASBMB) but failed to meet required threshold of at least three criteria. Evidence showed postdoctoral talent but insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field.

A scientist in psychophysiology self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. She claimed four regulatory criteria but the AAO found she did not meet the awards or membership criteria, and letters of recommendation alone could not establish leading role. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of her field.