EB-1A Criterion vii of 10 548 cases

Artistic display —
what the AAO actually requires

Regulatory language: "Evidence satisfying criterion vii under the EB-1A regulatory framework." — 8 CFR 204.5(h)(3)(vii)
Cases indexed
548
where this criterion was addressed
Met rate
55%
found met in 302 of 548 addressed cases
Most common error
Dismissed
without assessing selectivity
Trend
+5pp
win rate up vs. 2024
Evidence patterns — what moves the needle
Officer error patterns — how cases get remanded
AAO reversed the Director on this criterion2022

AAO reversed Director's narrow interpretation that this criterion applies only to visual arts, holding it can encompass documentary films. However, AAO still found criterion unmet because the petitioner submitted only 4 pages of an 80-page festival program and failed to establish the film was actually screened. New claims on appeal (museum and art festival) were not considered because not raised before the Director.

AAO reversed the Director on this criterion2024

Director denied for lack of evidence that works were shown alongside nationally/internationally renowned artists or at major solo venues; AAO found these were improperly imposed requirements. Participation in a joint project organized by a national centre for artistic creation in public space, where petitioner was listed as one of seven artists displaying participatory art, was sufficient.

AAO reversed the Director on this criterion2025

Director denied this criterion, finding broadcast work did not appear at artistic exhibitions or showcases. AAO reversed, accepting broadcast journalism on television, radio, and social media as comparable evidence under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(4), finding the criterion does not readily apply to journalism.

AAO reversed the Director on this criterion2023

Director had found this criterion met at the RFE stage but did not mention it in the final decision; AAO confirmed petitioner meets this criterion based on display of costumes at figure skating, ice dancing, synchronized swimming competitions, theatrical performances, and other artistic exhibitions.

Cases on this criterion
Remanded2022 · MAR112022_01B2203

The AAO remanded this EB-1A petition for a fund manager back to the Director after finding multiple…

The AAO remanded this EB-1A petition for a fund manager back to the Director after finding multiple legal errors in the

Dismissed2017 · AUG112017_02B2203

A bodybuilding promoter's motions to reopen and reconsider his denied EB-1A petition were both deni…

A bodybuilding promoter's motions to reopen and reconsider his denied EB-1A petition were both denied because he failed

Dismissed2026 · JAN232026_04B2203

The AAO dismissed a seventh combined motion to reopen and reconsider an EB-1A petition for an accou…

The AAO dismissed a seventh combined motion to reopen and reconsider an EB-1A petition for an accounting and tax consult

Remanded2024 · JAN232024_01B2203

AAO remanded this EB-1A petition for a global security expert because the Director improperly dismi…

AAO remanded this EB-1A petition for a global security expert because the Director improperly dismissed a timely motion

Dismissed2021 · APR162021_02B2203

A collaborative pianist's EB-1A appeal was dismissed because he could only demonstrate two of the r…

A collaborative pianist's EB-1A appeal was dismissed because he could only demonstrate two of the required three evident

Remanded2026 · JAN052026_01B2203

The AAO remanded this EB-1A petition for a senior staff software engineer back to SCOPS because SCO…

The AAO remanded this EB-1A petition for a senior staff software engineer back to SCOPS because SCOPS reversed two previ

Dismissed2018 · JAN242018_03B2203

A competitive judo and jiu-jitsu wrestler from Kazakhstan sought EB-1A classification but fell shor…

A competitive judo and jiu-jitsu wrestler from Kazakhstan sought EB-1A classification but fell short, meeting only one o

Dismissed2015 · FEB272015_01B2203

A table tennis coach's EB-1A petition was dismissed after she failed to meet even three of the requ…

A table tennis coach's EB-1A petition was dismissed after she failed to meet even three of the required evidentiary crit

See all 548 criterion vii cases →