EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsIndividualDecided September 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP092021_04B2203
Published materialMetAwardsNot metCommercial successNot metExhibitionsNot metLeading or critical roleNot metOriginal contributionsNot metHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedJudgingClaimed, not analyzedMembershipClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Film actress sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed awards, published media, exhibitions, critical roles, and commercial success. AAO found only two criteria met and rejected others; determined petitioner lacks sustained acclaim and does not rank among the very top of the field.
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
- Published material · Director found criterion met regarding published media about petitioner and her work
What was missing
- Awards · Petitioner did not establish receipt of major internationally recognized award; claimed award did not qualify
- Commercial success · Record does not support conclusion petitioner meets criterion
- Exhibitions · Petitioner's films not shown at artistic exhibitions or showcases; conventions were commercial not artistic in nature
- Leading or critical role · Petitioner did not establish playing critical role for organizations with distinguished reputation
- Original contributions · Record does not support conclusion that petitioner meets criterion
- Final merits · Petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage status in field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Published material | Met | Director found criterion met regarding published media about petitioner and her work |
 Awards | Not met | Petitioner did not establish receipt of major internationally recognized award; claimed award did not qualify |
 Commercial success | Not met | Record does not support conclusion petitioner meets criterion |
 Exhibitions | Not met | Petitioner's films not shown at artistic exhibitions or showcases; conventions were commercial not artistic in nature |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Petitioner did not establish playing critical role for organizations with distinguished reputation |
 Original contributions | Not met | Record does not support conclusion that petitioner meets criterion |
 High salary | Claimed, not analyzed | Not claimed or analyzed |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; petitioner abandoned claim |
 Membership | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; petitioner abandoned claim |
 Scholarly articles | Claimed, not analyzed | Not applicable to film actress; criterion not claimed |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top percentage status in field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.