EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided 2019Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN052019_01B2203
Leading or critical roleMetCommercial successNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
An A&R executive at a music label sought EB-1A extraordinary ability in the arts. The AAO found one criterion met: leading or critical role. Two claimed criteria—original contributions and commercial success—were rejected as lacking evidence of major significance and sales documentation respectively, failing the 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
- Leading or critical role · Director's finding that petitioner performed leading or critical role for music label with distinguished reputation supported.
What was missing
- Commercial success · Record lacks required evidence of commercial success shown by box office receipts, record, or video sales demonstrating volume relative to peers in performing arts.
- Original contributions · Guidance of musicians did not constitute original contributions of major significance; work on debut album lacks evidence of field-level significance.
- Final merits · Even reviewing record in aggregate, does not support finding of sustained national or international acclaim or position among small percentage at field's top.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Leading or critical role | Met | Director's finding that petitioner performed leading or critical role for music label with distinguished reputation supported. |
 Commercial success | Not met | Record lacks required evidence of commercial success shown by box office receipts, record, or video sales demonstrating volume relative to peers in performing arts. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Guidance of musicians did not constitute original contributions of major significance; work on debut album lacks evidence of field-level significance. |
 Final merits | Not met | Even reviewing record in aggregate, does not support finding of sustained national or international acclaim or position among small percentage at field's top. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.