EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided 2019Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
DEC042019_02B2203
ExhibitionsMetJudgingNot metMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
An Uzbek traditional embroiderer sought EB-1A classification, claiming five criteria. The AAO found exhibitions established but rejected membership for lack of documented selection criteria, judging for absence of formal role, and original contributions for insufficient field recognition. Director found four criteria met but AAO disagreed, finding overall record lacks evidence of sustained acclaim.
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 · Director determined display criterion satisfied
What was missing
- Judging · Helping determine artists for exhibition does not constitute formal judging role as required
- Membership · Association membership lacks documentation of selection criteria; conclusory letters insufficient; no demonstration of national or international expert judgment
- Original contributions · Reference letters insufficient; field does not recognize significance; no sustained national or international acclaim demonstrated
- Final merits · Record does not demonstrate sustained acclaim or placement among very top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Director determined display criterion satisfied |
 Judging | Not met | Helping determine artists for exhibition does not constitute formal judging role as required |
 Membership | Not met | Association membership lacks documentation of selection criteria; conclusory letters insufficient; no demonstration of national or international expert judgment |
 Original contributions | Not met | Reference letters insufficient; field does not recognize significance; no sustained national or international acclaim demonstrated |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not demonstrate sustained acclaim or placement among very top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.