EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided July 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL222026_02B2203
AwardsMetJudgingNot metMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A photographer, visual strategist, and editor seeks EB-1A classification. The AAO found she met initial criteria but lacked sustained national or international acclaim sufficient to demonstrate extraordinary ability. The decision dismissed the appeal because the cumulative evidence did not place her among the small percentage at the top of her field.
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 met initial evidentiary requirements; decision does not reject award evidence at threshold stage
What was missing
- Judging · Judging activities do not reflect extraordinary ability; level does not place petitioner in top echelons of field
- Membership · Evidence of membership, while demonstrating professional stature, did not establish exceptional level of distinction required
- Original contributions · Original contributions did not demonstrate significant influence on the field or sufficient accolades for top placement
- Final merits · Petitioner has not established claimed extraordinary ability or place among small percentage at field's very top
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Petitioner met initial evidentiary requirements; decision does not reject award evidence at threshold stage |
 Judging | Not met | Judging activities do not reflect extraordinary ability; level does not place petitioner in top echelons of field |
 Membership | Not met | Evidence of membership, while demonstrating professional stature, did not establish exceptional level of distinction required |
 Original contributions | Not met | Original contributions did not demonstrate significant influence on the field or sufficient accolades for top placement |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner has not established claimed extraordinary ability or place among small percentage at field's very top |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.