EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided April 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR162021_02B2203
JudgingMetLeading or critical roleNot metOriginal contributionsNot metAwardsClaimed, not analyzedMembershipClaimed, not analyzedPublished materialClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Collaborative pianist enrolled in doctoral program claims EB-1A extraordinary ability. Director found two criteria met; petitioner appealed claiming two additional criteria. AAO rejected both new claims. With only two criteria met, petitioner failed initial evidence requirement. Appeal dismissed.
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Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
What the AAO accepted
- Judging · Director found met; AAO did not disturb this conclusion
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · One-night appearance and regular accompanist roles do not constitute critical role; organizations lack distinguished reputation
- Original contributions · Praise for abilities does not establish major significance; no identifiable impact beyond performances
- Final merits · Record does not support sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Director found met; AAO did not disturb this conclusion |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | One-night appearance and regular accompanist roles do not constitute critical role; organizations lack distinguished reputation |
 Original contributions | Not met | Praise for abilities does not establish major significance; no identifiable impact beyond performances |
 Awards | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed initially but abandoned on appeal; not analyzed |
 Membership | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed initially but abandoned on appeal; not analyzed |
 Published material | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed initially but abandoned on appeal; not analyzed |
 Scholarly articles | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed initially but abandoned on appeal; not analyzed |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not support sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.