EB-1AArts, design, architectureIndividualDecided September 2022Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP152022_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetJudgingMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metPublished materialNot metOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Wedding photographer from South Africa claiming seven evidentiary criteria for EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO agreed with Director that only two criteria met: judging and exhibitions. Published material, awards, and membership claims failed. Record shows successful photographer with prominent clients but does not establish sustained acclaim required for top of 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
- Exhibitions · Director found Petitioner satisfied display at artistic exhibitions criterion
- Judging · Director found Petitioner satisfied judging criterion
What was missing
- Awards · Awards lack evidence of national or international recognition outside Africa
- Membership · ISPWP membership requirements do not constitute outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts
- Published material · Published material submitted appears promotional rather than substantive coverage
- Final merits · Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Director found Petitioner satisfied display at artistic exhibitions criterion |
 Judging | Met | Director found Petitioner satisfied judging criterion |
 Awards | Not met | Awards lack evidence of national or international recognition outside Africa |
 Membership | Not met | ISPWP membership requirements do not constitute outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts |
 Published material | Not met | Published material submitted appears promotional rather than substantive coverage |
 Original contributions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; waived on appeal |
 Scholarly articles | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not discussed in decision |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.