Published AAO appeal decisions

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as synchronized swimmer. Lacks sustained acclaim post-2003 and clear evidence of continuing in area of extraordinary ability. AAO found achievements not significantly above others in field and no credible intent to continue work in expertise area in United States.

A physician and researcher sought extraordinary ability classification. The director denied the petition after reviewing nine criteria. On appeal, counsel offered only vague assertions of substantial evidence without identifying any specific error. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because no erroneous conclusion of law or fact was specifically identified.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A classification as a model. Claimed lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes. AAO found the competition not nationally or internationally recognized and did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or place among very top in field.

A molecular biologist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner was denied because he failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim. His only award was a poster prize at a student-level conference lacking significant recognition. The AAO found he demonstrates talent but falls short of top-tier requirements.

Singer claimed extraordinary ability and met at least three criteria. AAO found the petitioner did not receive nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence and that evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top level. Appeal dismissed.

A writer sought EB-1A classification as an alien of extraordinary ability in the arts. The director denied the petition. On appeal, counsel offered only a general assertion of extraordinary ability, with no challenge to specific findings and no promised brief or evidence. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal for failing to identify any error.

The petitioner is a tennis coach and former competitive player who sought extraordinary ability classification in athletics. The petitioner was found not to hold a major award, and the lesser-awards criterion was analyzed and rejected. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the evidence did not show sustained acclaim at the very top.

The petitioner sought extraordinary ability classification; the condensed text does not reveal the occupation. Counsel argued the petitioner met at least three regulatory criteria and that the director applied a wrong standard of proof. The AAO rejected the standard argument and dismissed the appeal, finding sustained acclaim was not established.

Mathematician specializing in harmonic theory of geometry and analysis claimed extraordinary ability based on awards and citations. AAO dismissed the appeal because awards lacked recognition and citations merely referenced work without evaluating impact or standing, failing to show sustained acclaim at the very top.

Boxer self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on a third-prize award from an international boxing tournament. AAO found the award lacked sufficient documentation of national or international recognition and dismissed the appeal because evidence did not show sustained acclaim at the very top of the field.

Self-petitioner in athletics claims extraordinary ability based on world karate title from 1993. AAO found the award does not meet the narrow threshold for a major internationally recognized award and the evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim required for EB-1A classification.

The beneficiary is a business executive in the investment field, for whom a petitioner sought extraordinary ability classification in business or education. The lesser-awards criterion, based on company rankings in trade articles, was analyzed and rejected. The AAO dismissed the appeal because sustained national or international acclaim was not shown.

The petitioner is a concert pianist who sought extraordinary ability classification in the arts. He relied on competition prizes and published articles, and the AAO found neither satisfied its criterion. The appeal was dismissed because the record did not show sustained acclaim or standing at the very top of the field.

An architect sought EB-1A classification, claiming lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards and arguing that O-1 status shows extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed the appeal, concluding the evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the small percentage at the very top of the field.

A business software developer claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A, arguing he met at least three criteria. The AAO found his awards lacked evidence of international recognition, his original contributions were unsupported by objective evidence, and his overall achievements did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for the classification.

Visual artist claiming extraordinary ability in visual arts. Submitted organizational prize and television interview. AAO found prize not nationally or internationally recognized, television appearance does not constitute published material, and exhibition evidence lacked specific dates. Appeal dismissed.

Athlete in women's football claiming extraordinary ability in athletics. Submitted finalist designation for NWFA Defensive Player of the Year. AAO found no evidence of actual award receipt and determined the designation, while honorable, does not constitute nationally or internationally recognized award. Appeal dismissed.

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.

A self-petitioner in education sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Counsel claimed at least three regulatory criteria were met. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding no documentary evidence of sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, and that evidence did not demonstrate placement among the very top of the field.

Research scientist in nursery and landscape field seeking EB-1A. Counsel claimed criteria but did not claim membership criterion despite service center request. AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

Community outreach liaison showcasing Filipino artists' performances seeking EB-1A. Claimed awards, published material, exhibitions criteria. AAO rejected all three: awards were collective, publications not about petitioner, exhibitions criterion for visual artists. Appeal dismissed.

Chemistry researcher in phosphorous chemistry and carbon nanotubes. Counsel claimed three criteria. AAO met judging criterion but found overall evidence insufficient to show sustained acclaim at national or international level. Appeal dismissed.

Tennis coach seeking EB-1A classification. Counsel claimed three criteria were met. AAO found no sustained national or international acclaim as tennis competitor after 2004 and no evidence of intent to compete in United States. Appeal dismissed.

A music composer and arranger sought EB-1A classification without submitting initial evidence. On appeal, the petitioner submitted letters, diplomas, an award for cantorial preservation, and compact disc materials. The AAO found none met regulatory criteria: the award was not nationally recognized, and recordings lacked evidence of commercial success as required by regulation.

A biblical translator sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found the petitioner submitted no qualifying evidence for any of three attempted criteria: a scholarship was not a recognized prize, association membership lacked documentation of outstanding achievement requirements, and published materials were insufficient. The decision also noted failure to demonstrate prospective substantial benefit to the United States.