Outcome: Dismissed
FEB132018_03B2203
Our summary
A disc jockey and music producer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found he met two of ten criteria: membership and judging. Awards lacked national recognition, original contributions showed no major field impact, and leadership roles were insufficiently documented. Appeal dismissed; petitioner failed to meet three-criterion minimum.
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
- Judging · Served as jury member for multiple music festivals.
- Membership · Petitioner established membership in association requiring outstanding achievements.
What was missing
- Awards · Award lacked national or international recognition; insufficient media coverage evidence.
- Leading or critical role · DJ role with one-hour slot did not differentiate from other DJs; COO role unrelated to music expertise.
- Original contributions · Performance at festivals did not demonstrate major significance or broad field impact.
- Final merits · Failed to meet three criteria threshold; sustained acclaim among top percentage not established.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Served as jury member for multiple music festivals. | |
| Met | Petitioner established membership in association requiring outstanding achievements. | |
| Not met | Award lacked national or international recognition; insufficient media coverage evidence. | |
| Not met | DJ role with one-hour slot did not differentiate from other DJs; COO role unrelated to music expertise. | |
| Not met | Performance at festivals did not demonstrate major significance or broad field impact. | |
| Not met | Failed to meet three criteria threshold; sustained acclaim among top percentage not established. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
