EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided 2019Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR092019_04B2203
JudgingMetAwardsNot metPublished materialNot metLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Documentary filmmaker claimed extraordinary ability in arts. Director found four criteria met; AAO withdrew two findings (awards, published material). Only one criterion ultimately met (judging), below three-criterion threshold. No sustained national or international acclaim shown. Appeal dismissed.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
What the AAO accepted
- Judging · Evidence supports participation as judge of work of others in field
What was missing
- Awards · Award from student media category; does not qualify as nationally or internationally recognized
- Published material · New York Times article was sponsored advertising; not about petitioner; no major media demonstrated
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Evidence supports participation as judge of work of others in field |
 Awards | Not met | Award from student media category; does not qualify as nationally or internationally recognized |
 Published material | Not met | New York Times article was sponsored advertising; not about petitioner; no major media demonstrated |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but record does not support it; not analyzed in depth |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Fewer than three criteria met; final merits determination not conducted |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.