Published AAO appeal decisions

Taekwondo instructor beneficiary sought O-1A nonimmigrant visa for extraordinary ability in athletics. Petitioner claimed three criteria: awards, association membership, and judging experience. AAO dismissed, finding awards were regional not national, membership claim unsubstantiated, and judging criterion unmet; fewer than three criteria satisfied.

A self-represented individual sought special immigrant classification as a battered spouse of a U.S. citizen, not an O-1A visa. The AAO dismissed the appeal because she did not establish that she suffered battery or extreme cruelty or that she has good moral character, lacking supporting documentation.

An employer petitioned for O-1A classification of an endocrinologist for temporary three-year employment. The AAO held the beneficiary met only the membership criterion but failed to establish three criteria overall and lacked sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.

A self-represented individual filed a self-petition as the battered spouse of a U.S. citizen, not an O-1A petition. The director denied it for lack of proof of abuse and good moral character. The AAO dismissed the appeal because unsupported statements and missing police clearances failed to meet the burden of proof.

A marketing company sponsored a professional body boarder for O-1A nonimmigrant classification. Service center director denied finding beneficiary lacked sustained acclaim and top-tier standing required. On appeal, petitioner failed to specifically address grounds for denial. Appeal summarily dismissed.

A photography consultant sought O-1A extraordinary ability in the arts. The appeal was summarily dismissed because the petitioner failed to identify any erroneous conclusion of law or fact in the service center director's denial, and no further documentation was submitted despite notice of opportunity to do so.