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EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided April 2026Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

APR172026_02B2203

ExhibitionsMetAwardsNot metCommercial successClaimed, not analyzedHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedJudgingClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedMembershipClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedPublished materialClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed

Our summary

A visual artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The service center found one criterion met (exhibitions) but not three required. On appeal, the petitioner claimed awards, membership, published material, and leading role. The AAO rejected the awards claim, finding nominations insufficient and team awards lacking individual recognition. Only one criterion satisfied; threshold unmet; 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

  • Exhibitions · SCOPS determined this criterion satisfied; not disturbed on appeal

What was missing

  • Awards · Nominations do not constitute receipt of awards; team awards lack evidence of petitioner's individual excellence

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
ExhibitionsMetSCOPS determined this criterion satisfied; not disturbed on appeal
AwardsNot metNominations do not constitute receipt of awards; team awards lack evidence of petitioner's individual excellence
Commercial successClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
High salaryClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
JudgingClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
Leading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
MembershipClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
Original contributionsClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
Published materialClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
Scholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedNot claimed on appeal; waived
Final meritsNot reached / not discussedThreshold criteria not met (only one of three required); final merits reserved

A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.

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