EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided September 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP082025_05B2203
AwardsMetCommercial successMetPublished materialMetExhibitionsNot metJudgingNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A hip-hop artist, music producer, and model from Russia sought EB-1A classification. The AAO confirmed three criteria met: awards, published material, and commercial success. However, the final merits determination found the totality of evidence insufficient to establish sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the 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
- Awards · Lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards criterion satisfied per SCOPS determination not contested on appeal
- Commercial success · Commercial success in performing arts criterion satisfied per SCOPS determination not contested on appeal
- Published material · Published materials criterion satisfied per SCOPS determination not contested on appeal
What was missing
- Exhibitions · Petitioner did not contest SCOPS determination that criterion not met; deemed waived on appeal
- Judging · Petitioner did not contest SCOPS determination that criterion not met; deemed waived on appeal
- Original contributions · Petitioner did not contest SCOPS determination that criterion not met; deemed waived on appeal
- Final merits · Although three criteria met, totality of evidence does not show sustained national or international acclaim or career at very top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards criterion satisfied per SCOPS determination not contested on appeal |
 Commercial success | Met | Commercial success in performing arts criterion satisfied per SCOPS determination not contested on appeal |
 Published material | Met | Published materials criterion satisfied per SCOPS determination not contested on appeal |
 Exhibitions | Not met | Petitioner did not contest SCOPS determination that criterion not met; deemed waived on appeal |
 Judging | Not met | Petitioner did not contest SCOPS determination that criterion not met; deemed waived on appeal |
 Original contributions | Not met | Petitioner did not contest SCOPS determination that criterion not met; deemed waived on appeal |
 Final merits | Not met | Although three criteria met, totality of evidence does not show sustained national or international acclaim or career at very top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.