EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided July 2022Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL202022_01B2203
JudgingMetAwardsNot metHigh salaryNot metLeading or critical roleNot metPublished materialNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Composer seeking extraordinary ability classification. Claimed four criteria; AAO found only judging criterion met. Record showed employment with major studios in increasing responsibility under established composer, but work on projects was supporting and uncredited. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner progressing toward top but lacking sustained national or international acclaim required.
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
- Judging · Served as judge at film festivals in Turkey
What was missing
- Awards · No major internationally recognized award demonstrated
- High salary · Salary not established as high compared to others in field
- Leading or critical role · Work was subordinate, supporting, and sometimes uncredited; not comparable to leading role
- Published material · Articles did not appear in major publications or establish high readership
- Final merits · Not among small percentage at top of field; progressing but not yet reached sustained acclaim
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Served as judge at film festivals in Turkey |
 Awards | Not met | No major internationally recognized award demonstrated |
 High salary | Not met | Salary not established as high compared to others in field |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Work was subordinate, supporting, and sometimes uncredited; not comparable to leading role |
 Published material | Not met | Articles did not appear in major publications or establish high readership |
 Final merits | Not met | Not among small percentage at top of field; progressing but not yet reached sustained acclaim |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.