EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided 2019Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG192019_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetPublished materialMetAwardsNot metOriginal contributionsNot metScholarly articlesNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A photographer self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO found he met two of ten criteria: published material and exhibitions. The appeal was dismissed because the evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or that he ranks among the small percentage at the very top of photography.
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 · Work displayed at museum and international photography festivals established
- Published material · Article about petitioner and work appeared in VICE China, established as major media
What was missing
- Awards · Nominations and short-listings do not satisfy criterion requiring receipt of prizes or awards
- Original contributions · Evidence shows awards and displays but not major significance of contributions to field
- Scholarly articles · Books and article do not establish scholarly nature or qualify as comparable evidence
- Final merits · Totality of evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Work displayed at museum and international photography festivals established |
 Published material | Met | Article about petitioner and work appeared in VICE China, established as major media |
 Awards | Not met | Nominations and short-listings do not satisfy criterion requiring receipt of prizes or awards |
 Original contributions | Not met | Evidence shows awards and displays but not major significance of contributions to field |
 Scholarly articles | Not met | Books and article do not establish scholarly nature or qualify as comparable evidence |
 Final merits | Not met | Totality of evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.