Letters and Testimonials Insufficient for EB‑1A Awards, Commercial Success, High Salary, and Published Material – AAO Decision AUG252014_01B2203

The case of AUG252014_01B2203 is a clear example of how relying on letters and testimonials alone can cause EB‑1A petitions to fail. The petitioner was a music producer whose petition was dismissed by the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Despite meeting two criteria, the case highlights critical gaps in evidence collection that applicants must avoid.

What Happened

The applicant submitted letters from colleagues asserting:

• Awards received

• Commercial success and sales figures

• High salary or professional fees

These letters were insufficient for four key EB‑1A criteria. The AAO found no primary documentation to support these claims, including:

Criterion Evidence Submitted What Was Missing ----------- ------------------- ------------------ Artistic Display Letters claiming production credits and work samples No proof of actual display or performance Awards Colleague letters asserting award receipt No certificate, announcement, or official documentation Commercial Success Letters stating sales figures No documentary sales records or receipts Published Material Letters claiming press coverage No independent journalistic articles

Why This Matters

The AAO made no mistake in its reasoning. In EB‑1A petitions, the immigration officer must verify that the petitioner meets at least three of ten criteria. The case demonstrates a fundamental principle:

> Letters and testimonials cannot replace primary documentary evidence for any EB‑1A criterion.

This is not about whether the petitioner deserved the petition—it's about what an AAO examiner can actually review in a legal proceeding.

What Was Accepted

The applicant met two criteria with stronger documentation:

• Judging: Evidence of reviewing work by others

• Leading or Critical Role: Proof of significant contributions to productions

These worked because they were supported by specific, verifiable evidence. The other four criteria failed entirely due to the absence of primary proof.

Practical Takeaway for Applicants

If you're preparing an EB‑1A petition and receive letters from colleagues:

• Do not treat these as sufficient evidence on their own

• For awards, request certificates or official announcements

• For commercial success, document sales records, contracts, or financial statements

• For published material, secure independent press coverage or published works about you

Source Note

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