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EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided April 2026Remanded

Outcome: Remanded

APR272026_03B2203

AwardsMetExhibitionsMetJudgingMetCommercial successClaimed, not analyzedHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedMembershipClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed

Our summary

Self-petitioning floral designer with fifteen years of experience sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found she met three evidentiary criteria (awards, judging, exhibitions), satisfying the initial threshold. The decision withdrew SCOPS' denial and remanded for final merits determination on whether evidence establishes sustained acclaim placing her among the top percentage in floral design.

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

  • Awards · Second-place award from Ukraine's national professional association for floral design qualified as nationally recognized award for excellence.
  • Exhibitions · Record supported that petitioner displayed floral design work at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
  • Judging · Record supported that petitioner participated as judge of work of others in field.

What was missing

Every criterion in the table was found met.

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
AwardsMetSecond-place award from Ukraine's national professional association for floral design qualified as nationally recognized award for excellence.
ExhibitionsMetRecord supported that petitioner displayed floral design work at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
JudgingMetRecord supported that petitioner participated as judge of work of others in field.
Commercial successClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed; criterion not discussed in available decision text.
High salaryClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed; criterion not discussed in available decision text.
Leading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not fully analyzed; decision noted claim but did not reach it as three criteria already established.
MembershipClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed; decision did not address petitioner's arguments on this criterion.
Original contributionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not fully analyzed; decision noted claim but did not reach it as three criteria already established.
Final meritsNot reached / not discussedRemanded to SCOPS for final merits determination on sustained national or international acclaim and small percentage at top of field.

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

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