EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided March 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR242020_01B2203
JudgingMetAwardsNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A Contemporary Christian music composer and director sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found he met only one criterion: judging. Awards lacked recognition, original contributions showed no broad field impact. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet three-criterion requirement.
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 served as judge for music award selection.
What was missing
- Awards · Award lacked demonstrated national or international recognition in entertainment industry.
- Original contributions · Compositions influenced mainly students and colleagues; no evidence of major significance in field or influence on other musicians.
- Final merits · Failed to meet three-criterion threshold; no sustained national or international acclaim established; not among top echelon.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Petitioner served as judge for music award selection. |
 Awards | Not met | Award lacked demonstrated national or international recognition in entertainment industry. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Compositions influenced mainly students and colleagues; no evidence of major significance in field or influence on other musicians. |
 Final merits | Not met | Failed to meet three-criterion threshold; no sustained national or international acclaim established; not among top echelon. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.