EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided March 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR112020_01B2203
JudgingMetLeading or critical roleMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metPublished materialNot metCommercial successClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A violinist claimed extraordinary ability under seven criteria including awards, membership, published material, judging, and leading critical role. Only judging and leading critical role criteria were established. Awards, membership, and published material claims were rejected. Acclaim by association with prestigious institutions insufficient. Appeal 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
- Judging · Petitioner established participation in juries and competitions
- Leading or critical role · Petitioner established critical role with organization having distinguished reputation
What was missing
- Awards · Award recognition not internationally established; Taiwanese musician eligibility does not prove international character
- Membership · Association membership criteria not clearly established; no evidence national or international experts judged qualifications
- Published material · Articles not shown to appear in professional or major trade publications or major media
- Final merits · Only two criteria met; three required; no final merits analysis necessary
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Petitioner established participation in juries and competitions |
 Leading or critical role | Met | Petitioner established critical role with organization having distinguished reputation |
 Awards | Not met | Award recognition not internationally established; Taiwanese musician eligibility does not prove international character |
 Membership | Not met | Association membership criteria not clearly established; no evidence national or international experts judged qualifications |
 Published material | Not met | Articles not shown to appear in professional or major trade publications or major media |
 Commercial success | Claimed, not analyzed | Petitioner abandoned claim on appeal |
 Original contributions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in decision |
 Final merits | Not met | Only two criteria met; three required; no final merits analysis necessary |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.