Outcome: Dismissed
JAN202026_05B2203
Our summary
An audio-visual agency filed for a cinematographer and drone cameraman with extraordinary ability. The AAO found he met two criteria (judging and exhibitions) but failed the third-criterion threshold and final merits test for sustained acclaim at field leadership level.
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 · Beneficiary's work displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
- Judging · Beneficiary demonstrated participation as judge of others' work in the field.
What was missing
- Awards · Drone film festival awards lack sufficient documentary evidence of national or international recognition for excellence.
- Leading or critical role · Service as cinematographer on award-winning films does not demonstrate leading or critical role for distinguished organization.
- Final merits · Record does not show sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at very top of field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Beneficiary's work displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases. | |
| Met | Beneficiary demonstrated participation as judge of others' work in the field. | |
| Not met | Drone film festival awards lack sufficient documentary evidence of national or international recognition for excellence. | |
| Not met | Service as cinematographer on award-winning films does not demonstrate leading or critical role for distinguished organization. | |
| Not met | Record does not show sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at very top of field. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
