EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided May 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAY242021_01B2203
Leading or critical roleMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metJudgingClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
An orchestral musician seeks extraordinary ability classification. She claims five criteria including awards, membership, judging, exhibitions, and leading role. AAO found only leading role met; insufficient criteria. Petitioner lacks demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.
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
- Leading or critical role · Director's finding of leading or critical role with distinguished orchestra not disturbed
What was missing
- Awards · Certificate recognizes participation on nominated album; award not nationally or internationally recognized for excellence
- Membership · Letters lack detailed examples of outstanding achievements; petitioner provides no evidence of membership requirements
- Final merits · Only one criterion met; fails to show sustained national or international acclaim at top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Leading or critical role | Met | Director's finding of leading or critical role with distinguished orchestra not disturbed |
 Awards | Not met | Certificate recognizes participation on nominated album; award not nationally or internationally recognized for excellence |
 Membership | Not met | Letters lack detailed examples of outstanding achievements; petitioner provides no evidence of membership requirements |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but decision notes detailed analysis cannot change outcome; criterion not separately decided |
 Final merits | Not met | Only one criterion met; fails to show sustained national or international acclaim at top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.