Outcome: Dismissed
JUL052018_01B2203
Our summary
Fashion designer and photographer sought extraordinary ability classification. Claimed six criteria met. AAO found only two met (exhibitions and critical role), insufficient for threshold. Final merits not addressed as initial evidence requirement failed. Appeal dismissed.
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 · Director and AAO agreed work displayed in artistic exhibitions
- Leading or critical role · AAO overturned Director and found critical role for establishment
What was missing
- Awards · No major internationally recognized award established
- Commercial success · Criterion applies to performing arts; petitioner not performing artist
- High salary · Evidence prospective only, no actual income demonstrated
- Original contributions · Work displayed but no evidence of broader influence on field
- Published material · Evidence self-promotional or lacked major media market share proof
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Director and AAO agreed work displayed in artistic exhibitions | |
| Met | AAO overturned Director and found critical role for establishment | |
| Not met | No major internationally recognized award established | |
| Not met | Criterion applies to performing arts; petitioner not performing artist | |
| Not met | Evidence prospective only, no actual income demonstrated | |
| Not met | Work displayed but no evidence of broader influence on field | |
| Not met | Evidence self-promotional or lacked major media market share proof | |
| Not reached / not discussed | Did not meet three criteria threshold; final merits not required |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
