Published AAO appeal decisions

A marketing and advertising vice president sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed at least three criteria but the decision analyzed only the awards criterion, finding no documented receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes. The petition was dismissed because evidence did not demonstrate extraordinary ability.

Journalist claiming extraordinary ability in journalism. Submitted evidence of taekwondo association certificate and union membership. AAO found neither award qualified as nationally or internationally recognized in journalism field, and union membership lacked requirement of outstanding achievement. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner in marketing and communications claimed extraordinary ability through awards, professional memberships, published materials, and scholarly articles. AAO found the APEX Award lacked national recognition, memberships were unverified with unclear criteria, published materials were dated and scattered, and a single scholarly article over career insufficient. Appeal dismissed.

Communications professional sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed awards, professional membership, and published material criteria. AAO found APEX Award not nationally recognized, no evidence of membership requirements, and only one article published over career. Appeal dismissed for failure to establish top-level acclaim.

TV and film development consultant claimed extraordinary ability. The AAO found she met two of three needed criteria but evidence of sustained acclaim was largely pre-1996, lacking recency, and insufficient to show she ranked among the very top in her field.