AAO research

AAO EB-1A decision Dec052012_04B2203: choreography and artistic display evidence pitfalls for eb‑1a

Choreography is treated as an athletic display and does not satisfy the EB‑1A “artistic display” criterion, which is limited to visual arts; petitioners must rely on other criteria and provide strong evidence of nationally recognized awards or memberships. Evidence that the work qualifies as a visua

Decision Snapshot

Field Value --- --- Decision ID Dec052012_04B2203 Decision date 2012-12-05 Outcome dismissed Field or occupation choreography Final merits discussed No / not stated

Criteria Discussed

  • artistic_display

  • awards

  • commercial_success

  • high_salary

  • judging

  • leading_critical_role

  • membership

  • original_contributions

Criteria Accepted

Not stated in the extracted decision plan.

Criteria Rejected

  • artistic_display

  • awards

  • membership

  • original_contributions

Core Lesson

Choreography is treated as an athletic display and does not satisfy the EB‑1A “artistic display” criterion, which is limited to visual arts; petitioners must rely on other criteria and provide strong evidence of nationally recognized awards or memberships.

Evidence Issue

  • Evidence that the work qualifies as a visual art rather than an athletic display.

  • Documentation that awards are nationally or internationally recognized.

  • Proof that the professional association meets the plain‑language requirement of outstanding achievement.

  • Original contributions that have major significance in the field as a whole.

How This Connects

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Source Note

Non-precedent AAO decisions are used as evidence examples. They are not binding authority and do not predict any individual case.