EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided February 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB072020_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetJudgingMetLeading or critical roleNot metMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A photographer self-petitioner claims extraordinary ability under EB-1A, satisfying judging and exhibitions criteria. The AAO affirmed the service center's denial because the petitioner failed to meet three required criteria: membership in elite association, original contributions of major significance, and a leading role in a distinguished organization. The evidence lacked specificity and corroboration of field recognition.
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 and AAO agreed petitioner met artistic display criterion
- Judging · Director and AAO agreed petitioner met judging criterion
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Insufficient evidence of leading or critical role or organization's distinguished reputation
- Membership · China Photographers Association membership requirements do not demonstrate outstanding achievements as judged by experts
- Original contributions · Evidence lacks specificity that overall field considers work of major significance
- Final merits · Petitioner has not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or top tier status
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Director and AAO agreed petitioner met artistic display criterion |
 Judging | Met | Director and AAO agreed petitioner met judging criterion |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Insufficient evidence of leading or critical role or organization's distinguished reputation |
 Membership | Not met | China Photographers Association membership requirements do not demonstrate outstanding achievements as judged by experts |
 Original contributions | Not met | Evidence lacks specificity that overall field considers work of major significance |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner has not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or top tier status |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.