Published AAO appeal decisions

A dance troupe performer and musical director in Filipino folk music sought EB-1A classification. AAO held he failed to meet the awards criterion through certificates and scholarships, did not establish qualifying membership requirements, and lacked evidence of sustained acclaim at the very top of the field.

Chinese opera stage designer and performer petitioner claimed awards, association membership, and published material recognition. AAO found awards lack national or international recognition standards, membership criteria not met, and photograph appearance without name insufficient to establish published material criterion.

Dance professional and promoter sought EB-1A classification in arts. Claimed awards and membership criteria through scholarship, certificates, and dance troupe affiliation. AAO found these do not meet extraordinary ability standard. Overall record shows past talent but insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim at very top level.

Lacquer painter claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner submitted evidence of local award, association membership, and published materials. AAO found award lacked national or international recognition, membership did not require outstanding achievement, and published material was not primarily about petitioner or in major media. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner painter sought extraordinary ability classification. Evidence included membership in Dokuritsu Art Association with national recognition requirements, exhibitions at Tokyo Art Museum and New York galleries, and published material. AAO found petitioner met three criteria, established sustained national acclaim, and showed plans to continue work in United States; petition approved.

Design and architectural firm filed EB-1A for architect beneficiary, claiming award, membership, and publication criteria. AAO rejected awards as unrecognized and membership as routine professional qualification. Published materials insufficient. Overall evidence does not establish extraordinary ability.