EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided 2017Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL282017_01B2203
AwardsMetExhibitionsMetHigh salaryNot metLeading or critical roleNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
An actor and voice-acting instructor sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found he met the awards and exhibitions criteria but failed the salary, critical role, and original contributions criteria. With only two of three required criteria satisfied, the appeal was 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
- Awards · Petitioner received awards for superior hosting and voice acting in 2009 and 2010.
- Exhibitions · Petitioner performed as actor in television series, satisfying criterion for display at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
What was missing
- High salary · No evidence demonstrating petitioner commanded high salary in relation to others in field.
- Leading or critical role · Role for organization not established as leading or critical; organization's distinguished reputation not demonstrated.
- Original contributions · Certificate as best acting instructor insufficient without evidence showing work was unusually influential or rose to major significance level.
- Final merits · Petitioner met only two of three required criteria; review of record in aggregate does not support extraordinary ability.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Petitioner received awards for superior hosting and voice acting in 2009 and 2010. |
 Exhibitions | Met | Petitioner performed as actor in television series, satisfying criterion for display at artistic exhibitions or showcases. |
 High salary | Not met | No evidence demonstrating petitioner commanded high salary in relation to others in field. |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Role for organization not established as leading or critical; organization's distinguished reputation not demonstrated. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Certificate as best acting instructor insufficient without evidence showing work was unusually influential or rose to major significance level. |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner met only two of three required criteria; review of record in aggregate does not support extraordinary ability. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.