Published AAO appeal decisions

A neuroscience postdoctoral researcher sought EB-1A classification, meeting three initial criteria: judging, original contributions, and scholarly articles. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding the totality of evidence demonstrates sustained national and international acclaim and established that the petitioner is among the very top of the field through high citation rates and widespread research implementation.

A water-skier self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability. The AAO found three criteria met: awards, membership in national team, and published material. On final merits, the petitioner demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim as the most successful water-skier in his timeframe, qualifying him for EB-1A classification.

A biostatistics researcher with a Ph.D. sought an EB-2 national interest waiver. He proposed research improving clinical trial design and quality-of-life studies. The AAO sustained his appeal, finding all three Dhanasar prongs satisfied: substantial merit and national importance, well-positioned qualifications, and net benefit to the nation.

Environmental engineering researcher sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner met three evidentiary criteria: judging, original contributions of major significance, and scholarly articles. AAO sustained appeal, finding the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained acclaim and recognition as among the very top of the field.

Trauma surgeon and cancer researcher seeks EB-2 national interest waiver. Claimed three Dhanasar prongs: substantial merit and national importance of breast cancer research, capability to advance it, and net benefit to United States. AAO sustained appeal, finding all three prongs satisfied by evidence of research impact and petitioner's demonstrated expertise.

Award-winning composer, lyricist, and performer sought EB-1A classification. Met four criteria: awards, published material, judging, and display (comparable evidence). AAO found totality of evidence, including major fellowship and media coverage, demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim and top-tier status.

A landscape architect sought extraordinary ability classification in business, claiming nine criteria. The service center accepted three criteria but denied on final merits. The AAO agreed that three criteria were met and found that awards, board service, publications and exhibitions together showed sustained acclaim, sustaining the appeal.

Dancer and choreographer met awards, exhibitions, and leading role criteria. AAO found sustained national and international acclaim in China and Canada, demonstrating extraordinary ability among top percentage in field. Appeal sustained.

An assistant research professor in business met three criteria: judging, scholarly articles, and critical role. The AAO sustained on final merits, finding high citation impact, sustained publications, widespread software use, significant patents, and innovation demonstrate he ranks among the very top in his field.

Researcher studying insect and spider phylogenetics claimed multiple criteria. AAO found three criteria met: judging, scholarly articles, and original contributions. Final merits analysis found sustained acclaim through extensive citations, species discoveries, two species named after her, and letters from leading experts affirming groundbreaking work. Appeal sustained.

A marketing professor seeks EB-1A classification. He claimed four criteria; the AAO found three met: judging, scholarly articles, and leading role. His high citation history and influential publications demonstrated sustained acclaim among the small percentage at the top of his field.

A public health researcher with focus on cancer drug safety sought NIW under EB-2. AAO found all three Dhanasar prongs met: proposed research on checkpoint inhibitor adverse effects has substantial merit and national importance; petitioner is well positioned based on past experience; waiver favors U.S. on balance. Appeal sustained.

Research scientist in chemistry sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed and met three initial criteria: judging, scholarly articles, and original contributions. The AAO found the cumulative evidence, including manuscript review work, substantial publication record with high citations, and recognized impact on the field, demonstrated sustained acclaim and placement among the small percentage at the very top.