EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided May 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAY142021_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetAwardsNot metPublished materialNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A violinist who performed with ensembles and orchestras sought extraordinary ability classification. The Director accepted only the display criterion, and the petitioner claimed additional criteria on appeal. The AAO dismissed the appeal because awards and published material were not established, leaving fewer than three criteria and no showing of sustained acclaim.
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 the display criterion satisfied and the AAO agreed, based on performances at artistic venues.
What was missing
- Awards · Award evidence did not show national or international recognition for excellence, and a loaned instrument was not a qualifying prize.
- Published material · Submitted articles were not about her, lacked author information, and did not appear in major media.
- Final merits · Record did not show sustained acclaim or standing among the small percentage at the very top.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Director found the display criterion satisfied and the AAO agreed, based on performances at artistic venues. |
 Awards | Not met | Award evidence did not show national or international recognition for excellence, and a loaned instrument was not a qualifying prize. |
 Published material | Not met | Submitted articles were not about her, lacked author information, and did not appear in major media. |
 Final merits | Not met | Record did not show sustained acclaim or standing among the small percentage at the very top. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.