Outcome: Dismissed
MAY292020_09B2203
Our summary
Pianist sought EB-1A classification. Claimed awards, published material, and judging. AAO found only judging criterion met; awards lacked national recognition and publications were not in recognized trade outlets. Appeal dismissed because insufficient criteria satisfied and no evidence 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
- Judging · Petitioner judged student musical competition
What was missing
- Awards · Prizes lacked national or international recognition; limited age requirements and minor prize money not characteristic of elite awards
- Published material · Articles in Music Review and Music Journal not established as professional or major trade publications
- Final merits · Insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or place among top percentage in field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Petitioner judged student musical competition | |
| Not met | Prizes lacked national or international recognition; limited age requirements and minor prize money not characteristic of elite awards | |
| Not met | Articles in Music Review and Music Journal not established as professional or major trade publications | |
| Not met | Insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or place among top percentage in field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
