Published AAO appeal decisions

Music producer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found he met three initial evidence criteria but failed final merits determination: recognition limited to collaborators and associates, lacking sustained national or international acclaim positioning him among the very top of the field.

Production company petitions for O-1A visa for beneficiary as film producer and editor. Beneficiary lacks significant national or international award in field and has not demonstrated lead or starring roles in productions with distinguished reputation, failing to satisfy required evidentiary threshold for extraordinary ability in arts.

A college television station petitioned for a cinematographer and broadcast associate as an artist of extraordinary ability. The appeals office found two criteria satisfied, exhibitions and critical role, and withdrew the director's judging finding. Awards, published material and original contributions failed, so the minimum of three was not reached and the appeal was dismissed.

An actor sought O-1A classification for extraordinary ability in the arts. The petitioner claimed a nomination for a prestigious college acting competition as a significant award but failed to demonstrate national or international recognition. The AAO affirmed dismissal because the award was not established as nationally or internationally significant and did not analyze other criteria.

A post-production designer and animator in advertising and film sought EB-1A classification. The petitioner claimed three criteria but failed to satisfy the plain language requirements of any of them. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability.

An opera soprano sought EB-1A classification as an artist of extraordinary ability. She satisfied three initial criteria: awards, judging, and exhibitions. However, the AAO found she failed the final merits determination, lacking the sustained national or international acclaim necessary to demonstrate she is among the small percentage at the very top of her field.