EB-1A Appeals: Performing Arts
Last updated 2026-09-02
The AAO dismissed 91.8% of EB-1A appeals from Performing Arts petitioners in published non-precedent decisions from 2003–2025 (n=319). The criterion most often at issue was Prizes or awards.
Outcomes by Year
| Year | Dismissed | Sustained | Remanded | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 (—) | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2024 | 14 (70.0%) | 0 | 6 | 20 |
| 2023 | 6 (—) | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 | 9 (—) | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 2021 | 5 (—) | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 | 18 (85.7%) | 0 | 3 | 21 |
| 2019 | 21 (95.5%) | 0 | 1 | 22 |
| 2018 | 16 (—) | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| 2017 | 14 (—) | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| 2016 | 8 (—) | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2015 | 6 (—) | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2014 | 9 (—) | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 2013 | 7 (—) | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2012 | 14 (—) | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| 2011 | 9 (—) | 2 | 0 | 11 |
| 2010 | 5 (—) | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2009 | 22 (100.0%) | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| 2008 | 2 (—) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2007 | 5 (—) | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 2006 | 3 (—) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2005 | 39 (92.9%) | 3 | 0 | 42 |
| 2004 | 1 (—) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 (—) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Criteria Breakdown
| Criterion | In Dismissed | In Sustained | Total | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prizes or awards | 242 | 6 | 260 | 93.1% |
| Published material about the alien | 126 | 5 | 144 | 87.5% |
| Membership in associations | 119 | 2 | 130 | 91.5% |
| Leading or critical role | 86 | 4 | 96 | 89.6% |
| Artistic exhibitions or showcases | 84 | 4 | 95 | 88.4% |
| Judging | 77 | 2 | 90 | 85.6% |
| Original contributions of major significance | 50 | 2 | 57 | 87.7% |
| Commercial success in performing arts | 38 | 4 | 44 | 86.4% |
| High salary or remuneration | 31 | 3 | 42 | 73.8% |
| Sustained national or international acclaim | 29 | 0 | 35 | 82.9% |
| Authorship of scholarly articles | 30 | 0 | 31 | 96.8% |
| Motion to reopen/reconsider | 23 | 0 | 23 | 100.0% |
Example Decisions
Sustained2005-11-10The appeal was sustained because the AAO found the petitioner satisfied the criterion for receipt of nationally or inter
Sustained2005-11-10The appeal was sustained because the AAO found the petitioner, a magician, satisfied at least three of the eligibility c
Sustained2021-09-22The appeal was sustained because the AAO found the Director incorrectly diminished the weight of the Petitioner's 20-yea
Sustained2018-01-25The appeal was sustained because the AAO determined that the petitioner, a dancer and choreographer, successfully met at
Sustained2011-05-12The appeal was sustained because the AAO determined that the petitioner, an actress, had met at least three of the ten r
Dismissed2022-10-06The motion to reconsider was dismissed because the petitioner failed to meet the required standard. The petitioner did n
Dismissed2017-09-28The appeal was dismissed because the petitioner failed to demonstrate that she met the minimum of three required evident
DismissedThe appeal was dismissed because the petitioner failed to establish that the beneficiary earned sustained national or in
Dismissed2005-09-06The appeal was dismissed because the petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. The A
Dismissed2005-01-25The appeal was dismissed because the petitioner failed to establish the sustained national or international acclaim requ
Denied cases most often lacked non-speculative evidence (claims were conclusory or unsupported); sufficient documentary evidence to meet the evidentiary standard.
Sample: published AAO non-precedent decisions collected from uscis.gov, 2003–2025. These are appeals, not all USCIS adjudications; approval rates here are not initial-filing approval rates. Read our full methodology.
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