Published AAO appeal decisions

A self-petitioner sought extraordinary ability classification, and the director found sustained acclaim not established. On appeal she only promised a later brief and evidence, which never arrived, and she did not identify any specific error. The appeals office therefore summarily dismissed the appeal under the regulation, without analyzing any criteria.

An artist and businessperson sought EB-1A classification claiming multiple criteria. The AAO found published material insufficient, newspaper not major media, and original contributions lacking demonstrated major significance. Three criteria met not established.

Employer-sponsored petition for mechanical engineer to obtain EB-1A extraordinary ability classification was appealed. Petitioner did not establish one-time achievement or three of ten criteria. Published material criterion not met due to insufficient documentation. No comparable evidence permitted for this occupation.

A molecular virology research scientist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO held petitioner met only one of ten criteria (judging) and failed to establish one-time achievement, falling short of the three-criterion threshold for sustained national or international acclaim.

A professional bodybuilder did not meet the initial evidence requirements for O-1A classification. The petitioner satisfied only two of eight criteria and failed to establish the requisite sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.

Rural sociology Ph.D. holder claiming extraordinary ability in creativity studies. Raised awards criterion for first time on appeal asserting conference recognition, organizational appointment, and book adoption. None established as qualifying nationally or internationally recognized prizes. Appeal dismissed.

An engineer sought EB-1A classification claiming three criteria. The AAO found the petitioner met the judging criterion but not the membership criterion; evidence of only one criterion is insufficient. Even in aggregate, evidence did not demonstrate the expertise required for extraordinary ability.

Self-petitioner in unspecified sciences field claimed extraordinary ability through awards, published material, judging, and original contributions. AAO upheld denial, finding petitioner failed to meet initial evidence threshold of three criteria. No qualifying evidence submitted under any criterion.

A violinist and instructor sought EB-1A classification claiming five criteria. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence of awards and that the other claimed criteria did not meet plain language requirements. Evidence in aggregate failed to demonstrate extraordinary ability.

Chess player claimed extraordinary ability through awards, published material, judging, and leading role. AAO found only awards criterion met. Published material lacked national reach, judging and role criteria unsupported. Initial threshold of three criteria not satisfied.

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.

A professor sought extraordinary ability classification in business. After an earlier untimely appeal was rejected and a motion denied, a new appeal was filed. Counsel received one extension and was refused another without good cause. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because it identified no specific error in the denial. No criteria were analyzed.

A pianist sought extraordinary ability classification in the arts after the service center denied the petition and dismissed a motion. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the award and contribution evidence insufficient, so fewer than three criteria were satisfied, and the overall record did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing.

A printmaker and fine artist sought EB-1A classification claiming five criteria. The AAO found the petitioner failed to submit evidence of a major award or meet at least three criteria. Selection for an exhibition does not constitute a prize or award; separate criteria exist. Appeal dismissed.

Artist and performing arts professional claimed multiple criteria including judging. AAO sustained judging criterion but rejected awards as abandoned, membership without sufficient detail, and commercial success lacking corroboration. Petitioner met only one criterion; failed three-criterion threshold. Appeal dismissed.

An athlete and coach sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found the awards criterion not met because achievements lacked documentation as nationally or internationally recognized honors. The petitioner did not satisfy at least three criteria. The appeal was dismissed as petitioner failed to establish eligibility.

Singer and performer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed four criteria but failed to meet three-criterion threshold. Award lacked national or international recognition. Final merits review found petitioner did not achieve sustained acclaim or top-tier field status.

A business seeking O-1A classification for a horse trainer and groom for the cutting horse industry. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary's duties fall under athletics, not the arts, and therefore the wrong visa category was requested. No O-1A criteria were analyzed on the merits.

Employer sponsored sound engineer for extraordinary ability EB-1A classification. Petitioner claimed four criteria but failed threshold requirement. AAO rejected argument that O-1 nonimmigrant visa approvals constituted comparable evidence, as O-1 uses lower distinction standard.

Fencing instructor and athlete sought EB-1A classification. Claimed awards, judging, and original contributions. AAO held awards must be petitioner's own, not coached athletes'; judging requires evidence of judgment exercised; petitioner failed to meet three-criterion threshold and thus extraordinary ability.

Table tennis player sought EB-1A classification. Claimed awards, membership, published material, and contributions. AAO held petitioner met only one criterion; post-filing ITTF ranking cannot overcome prior deficiencies; appeal dismissed for failure to brief specific legal errors.

Electrical engineer sought extraordinary ability classification. Met three criteria: judging, published material, and leading role. AAO sustained those findings but rejected the final merits determination, holding evidence showed competence but not sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier status required for EB-1A.

Structural biologist met three criteria: judging, published materials, and original contributions. However, final merits determination found petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim and has not distinguished himself sufficiently to be among small percentage at very top of field. Appeal dismissed.