Outcome: Dismissed
FEB192016_03B2203
Our summary
Dancer and choreographer self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed multiple regulatory criteria but satisfied only one: critical role at distinguished organization. AAO affirmed denial because only one criterion met, not three required, and overall evidence did not show sustained acclaim at top of 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
- Leading or critical role · Performed in critical role for organization with distinguished reputation
What was missing
- Awards · State Department certificate was gratitude, not a prize or award for excellence
- Original contributions · Teaching and mentoring not shown as original or of major significance to field as a whole
- Published material · Photo captions and unverified publications do not establish published material about petitioner
- Final merits · Aggregate evidence does not demonstrate level of expertise required for extraordinary ability classification
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Performed in critical role for organization with distinguished reputation | |
| Not met | State Department certificate was gratitude, not a prize or award for excellence | |
| Not met | Teaching and mentoring not shown as original or of major significance to field as a whole | |
| Not met | Photo captions and unverified publications do not establish published material about petitioner | |
| Not met | Aggregate evidence does not demonstrate level of expertise required for extraordinary ability classification |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
