EB-1AEducation and academiaIndividualDecided August 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG032026_01B2203
MembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metAwardsClaimed, not analyzedCommercial successClaimed, not analyzedExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedJudgingClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedPublished materialClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Hammered dulcimer artist and music educator sought EB-1A extraordinary ability to promote hammered dulcimer education and address educational gap. Claimed three criteria on appeal; AAO found petitioner did not satisfy membership or original contributions criteria, and waived remaining claims, thus failing to meet three-criterion threshold.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Membership · Member of Chinese music associations but associations do not require outstanding achievements judged by national or international experts; membership in vocal music society not material to hammered dulcimer education field
- Original contributions · Published books, compositions, and editorial work do not establish contributions have garnered significant attention or utilization; speaking events do not demonstrate major significance
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Membership | Not met | Member of Chinese music associations but associations do not require outstanding achievements judged by national or international experts; membership in vocal music society not material to hammered dulcimer education field |
 Original contributions | Not met | Published books, compositions, and editorial work do not establish contributions have garnered significant attention or utilization; speaking events do not demonstrate major significance |
 Awards | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Commercial success | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Exhibitions | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 High salary | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Published material | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Scholarly articles | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or discussed in decision |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached; petitioner failed three-criterion threshold; AAO reserved final merits determination |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.