AAO research

AAO EB-1A decision AUG262016_01B2203: musician and final merits and sustained acclaim failures in eb-1a

Satisfying at least three EB‑1A regulatory criteria is insufficient; petitioners must also prove sustained national or international acclaim with concrete, non‑conclusory evidence. demonstration of sustained national or international acclaim beyond meeting three criteria; actual receipt of a one‑tim

Decision Snapshot

Field Value --- --- Decision ID AUG262016_01B2203 Decision date 2016-08-26 Outcome dismissed Field or occupation musician Final merits discussed Yes

Criteria Discussed

  • artistic_display

  • awards

  • commercial_success

  • high_salary

  • leading_critical_role

  • original_contributions

  • published_material

Criteria Accepted

  • artistic_display

  • commercial_success

  • leading_critical_role

Criteria Rejected

  • awards

  • high_salary

  • original_contributions

  • published_material

Core Lesson

Satisfying at least three EB‑1A regulatory criteria is insufficient; petitioners must also prove sustained national or international acclaim with concrete, non‑conclusory evidence.

Evidence Issue

  • demonstration of sustained national or international acclaim beyond meeting three criteria

  • actual receipt of a one‑time major award as defined by the regulation

  • specific, non‑conclusory evidence of original contributions

  • substantial published media coverage showing national/international recognition

  • clear evidence that high salary reflects extraordinary ability

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Source Note

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