Published AAO appeal decisions

Self-represented musical drama performer claimed extraordinary ability under membership, high salary, and commercial success criteria. AAO found no criterion satisfied: membership criterion inappropriate for performing artists, no comparative salary evidence, and photographs do not demonstrate commercial success.

Traditional Indian tabla musician sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found no criteria met: awards lack documented significance, memberships do not require outstanding achievement, no national media coverage, insufficient documentation of influence or acclaim, and no evidence of top national performances or commercial success.

A Chinese Peking Opera actress sought extraordinary ability classification. She claimed awards, membership, and commercial success. The AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim: awards lacked international recognition documentation, membership in dramatist association did not show top-tier status, and no performance sales or prestigious venue centerpiece roles demonstrated. Appeal dismissed.

Singer claimed extraordinary ability in arts through 1986 international award, lesser prizes, and media mentions. Decision found limited success during 1986–1988 but no sustained national or international acclaim at field's apex. Multiple criteria unmet; petition dismissed.

A development and publicity consultant and independent producer for television and film sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming eight criteria. The AAO accepted two as met but found the rest unmet, so fewer than three were satisfied. It also found no sustained acclaim or top-of-field standing, and dismissed the appeal.

A musician sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed multiple criteria including awards, membership, published material, and others. The AAO found only two criteria met, below the required three-criterion threshold, and concluded the evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the small percentage at the top.

Peking Opera performing artist sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO found awards absent, membership local-only, publications dated with juvenile descriptions, and exhibitions criterion inapplicable to performers. Petitioner failed to meet three criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national acclaim or clear intent to continue performing in the United States.

Chinese Peking Opera actress sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO affirmed denial finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim, lack of documentation of commercial success, and no evidence of plans to continue work in the United States.

Musical drama performing artist filed self-petition for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed membership, exhibitions, high salary, and commercial success criteria. AAO found petitioner failed to meet three required criteria and lacked evidence of sustained acclaim at top of performing arts field.

Russian performer claiming extraordinary ability in theater and music. AAO found awards met one criterion but published material and critical role claims failed; local media coverage insufficient. Evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim at top level despite awards.

A musician and composer filed for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding that while the beneficiary had received some recognition, the evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level required for the immigrant classification.

Chinese Peking Opera actor filed for EB-1A extraordinary ability. Claimed three criteria; all failed because petitioner lacked contemporaneous documentation of significant awards, provided insufficient membership evidence, and showed no sustained work in field or intent to continue in United States.