EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided May 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAY022024_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetOriginal contributionsNot metPublished materialNot metScholarly articlesNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A cinematographer from Kazakhstan sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Although the AAO found one criterion met (exhibitions), the applicant failed to establish three total criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required for the classification.
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 · Director found petitioner satisfied criterion for work displayed at artistic exhibitions.
What was missing
- Original contributions · Petitioner failed to demonstrate major significance of artistic contributions; only minor technical credits shown.
- Published material · Article from New Television website; petitioner failed to establish website qualifies as major media without corroboration.
- Scholarly articles · Submitted articles lack evidence of authorship and publication in professional or major trade media for learned persons.
- Final merits · Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at top of field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Director found petitioner satisfied criterion for work displayed at artistic exhibitions. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Petitioner failed to demonstrate major significance of artistic contributions; only minor technical credits shown. |
 Published material | Not met | Article from New Television website; petitioner failed to establish website qualifies as major media without corroboration. |
 Scholarly articles | Not met | Submitted articles lack evidence of authorship and publication in professional or major trade media for learned persons. |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at top of field. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.