Outcome: Dismissed
AUG282025_05B2203
Our summary
A tattoo artist self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO found two of three required initial criteria met: lesser awards and artistic exhibitions. However, the final merits analysis concluded the totality of evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability status.
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 · Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence established
- Exhibitions · Tattoo work displayed at multiple tattoo conventions and artistic exhibitions
What was missing
- Final merits · Evidence insufficient to establish sustained acclaim and top-tier status in field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence established | |
| Met | Tattoo work displayed at multiple tattoo conventions and artistic exhibitions | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed by AAO | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed | |
| Not met | Evidence insufficient to establish sustained acclaim and top-tier status in field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
