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EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided January 2026Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

JAN072026_04B2203

JudgingMetLeading or critical roleMetPublished materialMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metScholarly articlesNot metExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met

Our summary

A contemporary oil painter claimed seven criteria; service center found four met. AAO affirmed denial, concluding the petitioner's exhibitions lacked prestige evidence, judging was preliminary-level only, and achievements did not distinguish him from peers or demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier status.

Official PDF

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Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.

What the AAO accepted

  • Judging · Service center found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb.
  • Leading or critical role · Service center found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb.
  • Published material · Service center found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb.

What was missing

  • Awards · No major, internationally recognized award established.
  • Membership · Service center concluded petitioner did not satisfy membership criterion.
  • Scholarly articles · Service center concluded petitioner did not satisfy authorship criterion.
  • Final merits · Achievements do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage status.

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
JudgingMetService center found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb.
Leading or critical roleMetService center found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb.
Published materialMetService center found criterion satisfied; AAO did not disturb.
AwardsNot metNo major, internationally recognized award established.
MembershipNot metService center concluded petitioner did not satisfy membership criterion.
Scholarly articlesNot metService center concluded petitioner did not satisfy authorship criterion.
ExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in AAO's determination.
Final meritsNot metAchievements do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage status.

A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.

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