EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided August 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG202024_03B2203
AwardsMetJudgingMetPublished materialMetExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A screenwriter, director and producer sought extraordinary ability classification. The service center accepted that three initial criteria were satisfied but found no sustained acclaim. The appeal was dismissed because the final merits review showed only one dated award and shared project success, without individual recognition at the very top of the field.
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 · Director's finding of a nationally recognized award was accepted at the initial stage.
- Judging · Director's finding that he judged others' work was accepted at the initial stage.
- Published material · Director's finding of qualifying published material was accepted at the initial stage.
What was missing
- Final merits · A single dated award and shared project credit did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Director's finding of a nationally recognized award was accepted at the initial stage. |
 Judging | Met | Director's finding that he judged others' work was accepted at the initial stage. |
 Published material | Met | Director's finding of qualifying published material was accepted at the initial stage. |
 Exhibitions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not decided because three criteria were already met; considered only in final merits. |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not decided because three criteria were already met; considered only in final merits. |
 Original contributions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not decided because three criteria were already met; considered only in final merits. |
 Final merits | Not met | A single dated award and shared project credit did not show sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.