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EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided May 2026Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

MAY182026_04B2203

ExhibitionsMetHigh salaryMetJudgingMetPublished materialMetAwardsNot metCommercial successNot metFinal meritsNot met

Our summary

Tattoo artist with black-and-gray specialization sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met four initial criteria including published material, judging, exhibitions, and remuneration. AAO found totality of evidence insufficient for sustained national or international acclaim required for small percentage at top of field. 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

  • Exhibitions · SCOPS found display at artistic exhibitions satisfied criterion
  • High salary · SCOPS found evidence of high remuneration satisfied criterion
  • Judging · SCOPS found evidence of judging satisfied criterion
  • Published material · SCOPS found articles in professional or major trade publications satisfied criterion

What was missing

  • Awards · Convention prizes did not meet major internationally recognized award threshold or sustained acclaim standard
  • Commercial success · Guest studio appearances and ink sponsorship not comparable to commercial success standard
  • Final merits · Record insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field despite meeting initial criteria

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
ExhibitionsMetSCOPS found display at artistic exhibitions satisfied criterion
High salaryMetSCOPS found evidence of high remuneration satisfied criterion
JudgingMetSCOPS found evidence of judging satisfied criterion
Published materialMetSCOPS found articles in professional or major trade publications satisfied criterion
AwardsNot metConvention prizes did not meet major internationally recognized award threshold or sustained acclaim standard
Commercial successNot metGuest studio appearances and ink sponsorship not comparable to commercial success standard
Final meritsNot metRecord insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field despite meeting initial criteria

A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.

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