Published AAO appeal decisions

A mountaineer and alpine instructor claimed extraordinary ability in athletics based on Everest ascent and climbing accomplishments. AAO held evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim placing him at the very top of the field; awards and memberships lack requisite documentation and sustained demonstration.

A self-petitioner researcher in materials science sought EB-1A classification. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding significant flaws in the director's reasoning but upholding the conclusion that the petitioner did not meet three required criteria, including through patents and recommendation letters, to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.

A neuroscience researcher with publications in distinguished journals and journal review experience claimed extraordinary ability in sciences. AAO held petitioner demonstrated promise but failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim placing him at very top of neuroscience field.

An accomplished surgeon and medical college professor in India claimed extraordinary ability in sciences based on WHO fellowship and recognition by colleagues. AAO held the old fellowship and subsequent awards insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of surgery.

Former Soviet national tennis champion sought extraordinary ability classification based on national acclaim as player and subsequent work as junior tennis coach in Canada and United States. AAO held petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained acclaim through coaching career at national level placing her at field's top.

Horticulture artist filed self-petitioned EB-1A for extraordinary ability. Claimed awards, membership, and exhibitions. AAO rejected all criteria as lacking sustained national or international recognition and dismissed for failure to meet three-criterion threshold and absence of evidence of intent to continue work in United States.

Self-represented chef claiming extraordinary ability through Chinese cuisine awards, association membership, publication, judging participation and food exhibitions. AAO found awards unverified, membership routine, article improperly translated, judging invitation unsubstantiated, and venues for displays unidentified, failing to show sustained top-tier acclaim.

A researcher claiming extraordinary ability in sciences. Petitioner claimed membership, judging, original contributions, and scholarly article criteria. AAO found memberships require only basic credentials, no peer review evidence, research work not established as major contribution, and witness letters insufficient to show sustained acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

Self-represented Israeli artist, actor, dancer and choreographer claiming extraordinary ability. Petitioner submitted awards, membership, publications and portfolio. AAO found awards lacked proper documentation, membership was routine employment-based, newspapers unverified, and evidence insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.

Self-represented petitioner claiming extraordinary ability based on youth awards and association membership from China. AAO found awards limited to provincial recognition, lacked competition documentation, membership evaluation was local or regional only, and petitioner submitted no evidence of intent to continue work in the United States.

A former Taiwanese pop band member and photographer claiming extraordinary ability in arts. Petitioner claimed awards, published material, and original contribution criteria. AAO found past fame as pop singer does not constitute sustained acclaim, untranslated newspaper articles inadequate, and television and photography work insufficient as major contributions. Appeal dismissed.

A Chinese Peking Opera actress sought extraordinary ability classification. She claimed awards, membership, and commercial success. The AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim: awards lacked international recognition documentation, membership in dramatist association did not show top-tier status, and no performance sales or prestigious venue centerpiece roles demonstrated. Appeal dismissed.

A research scientist in biophysics claiming extraordinary ability in sciences. Petitioner claimed to meet awards, membership, published material, and judging criteria. AAO found no major award, membership did not require outstanding achievements, citation record insufficient, and peer review work not documented to required standard. Appeal dismissed; extraordinary ability not established.

A self-represented petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification, and the service center found sustained acclaim was not established. The appeal came with no arguments, brief or additional evidence. The AAO summarily dismissed it because the petitioner did not identify any specific erroneous conclusion of law or fact.

Orthopaedics researcher claimed extraordinary ability in sciences. Decision found petitioner accomplished but lacking sustained national or international acclaim at field's top. Multiple regulatory criteria not met; insufficient documentation of major contributions.

Singer claimed extraordinary ability in arts through 1986 international award, lesser prizes, and media mentions. Decision found limited success during 1986–1988 but no sustained national or international acclaim at field's apex. Multiple criteria unmet; petition dismissed.

Self-petitioner claiming extraordinary ability filed appellate submission without substantive arguments, brief or supporting evidence. Appeal summarily dismissed for failure to identify specific errors in denial or address pertinent regulatory criteria.

An IT executive with a long career in offshore outsourcing, sponsored by a company, claimed five regulatory criteria for extraordinary ability in business. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding only the leading role criterion satisfied, with the remaining analyzed criteria rejected, so sustained acclaim was not established.

Judo athlete claiming extraordinary ability filed self-petition. Petitioner failed to submit brief or evidence within required timeframe after requesting extension. Appeal summarily dismissed for failure to identify specific errors of law or fact.

Optical engineer claims extraordinary ability through scholarships, internal award, manuscript review, and major contributions to fiber optics. AAO found significant scientific contributions but insufficient sustained acclaim at field's top level to meet EB-1A standard.

A self-represented petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification, and the service center found sustained acclaim was not established. The appeal was filed without arguments, a brief or new evidence. The AAO summarily dismissed it because the petitioner did not identify any specific erroneous conclusion of law or fact.

Advanced level cook self-petitioner sought EB-1A classification. AAO found petitioner did not meet any qualifying criteria, with awards showing only local recognition, memberships lacking outstanding achievement requirements, and culinary exhibitions not at exclusive national venues.

A culinary arts professional sought extraordinary ability classification and was denied by the service center for lacking sustained national or international acclaim. On appeal the petitioner filed only a short statement and no brief or evidence. The appeal was summarily dismissed because it identified no specific error of law or fact.

A petition for extraordinary ability classification was denied by the service center for lack of sustained acclaim. On appeal, counsel requested 150 extra days for a brief but never submitted anything or identified specific errors. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal without analyzing any criteria.

Computer scientist sought extraordinary ability classification in intrusion detection systems. Petitioner claimed awards, membership, patents, scholarly articles, and leadership role. AAO found no major prize, no outstanding-achievement membership, and insufficient documentation of major contributions or sustained acclaim beyond affiliated institutions to meet at least three criteria.