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EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided 2025Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

JAN312025_01B2203

AwardsMetJudgingMetMembershipNot metPublished materialNot metExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met

Our summary

Professional ballroom dancer and choreographer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed eight criteria and met two: lesser awards and judging. AAO found published material criterion unmet because YouTube videos lack status as professional or major media, and association membership lacked documentary evidence of achievement requirements. With only two criteria met, petition failed three-criterion threshold.

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

  • Awards · Petitioner received lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
  • Judging · Petitioner participated as judge of others' work in the field

What was missing

  • Membership · Association membership lacked documentary evidence of outstanding achievement requirements
  • Published material · YouTube videos do not qualify as professional, major trade, or major media publication
  • Final merits · Only two criteria met; sustained national or international acclaim and top small percentage not established

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
AwardsMetPetitioner received lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
JudgingMetPetitioner participated as judge of others' work in the field
MembershipNot metAssociation membership lacked documentary evidence of outstanding achievement requirements
Published materialNot metYouTube videos do not qualify as professional, major trade, or major media publication
ExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in decision
Leading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in decision
Original contributionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in decision
Scholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedClaimed but not analyzed in decision
Final meritsNot metOnly two criteria met; sustained national or international acclaim and top small percentage not established

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

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