EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided 2017Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN122017_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetJudgingNot metLeading or critical roleNot metMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metPublished materialNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A comedic actor sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found she met only the exhibitions criterion but failed membership, published material, judging, original contributions, and critical role criteria. She did not claim or satisfy the threshold major award. The appeal was dismissed because she did not meet the three-criterion minimum.
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 · Petitioner displayed work on stage at artistic events, satisfying criterion for artistic exhibitions or showcases.
What was missing
- Judging · Consulting and advising others do not constitute formal judging designation as required by plain language of regulation.
- Leading or critical role · Character role not shown to be leading or critical to organization with distinguished reputation; music video appearance similarly insufficient.
- Membership · SAG-AFTRA membership not contingent on outstanding achievements; national board not shown to comprise recognized experts.
- Original contributions · Personal charitable donations unrelated to comedic acting field; no original contributions of major significance demonstrated.
- Published material · Single article about petitioner lacked author attribution; circulation of 30000 in Southern California not representative of major publication.
- Final merits · Petitioner satisfied only one of required three criteria; evidence insufficient to demonstrate extraordinary ability.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Petitioner displayed work on stage at artistic events, satisfying criterion for artistic exhibitions or showcases. |
 Judging | Not met | Consulting and advising others do not constitute formal judging designation as required by plain language of regulation. |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Character role not shown to be leading or critical to organization with distinguished reputation; music video appearance similarly insufficient. |
 Membership | Not met | SAG-AFTRA membership not contingent on outstanding achievements; national board not shown to comprise recognized experts. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Personal charitable donations unrelated to comedic acting field; no original contributions of major significance demonstrated. |
 Published material | Not met | Single article about petitioner lacked author attribution; circulation of 30000 in Southern California not representative of major publication. |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner satisfied only one of required three criteria; evidence insufficient to demonstrate extraordinary ability. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.