Date of Decision: APR. 18, 2016
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Calligrapher
Field: Arts (Specifically Calligraphy)
Nationality: Chinese
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Participation as a Judge: The petitioner provided evidence of his role as a judge of others’ work in calligraphy.
- Display at Artistic Exhibitions: Documented exhibitions showcasing the petitioner’s calligraphic work.
Criteria Not Met:
- Leading or Critical Role: Insufficient evidence regarding the petitioner’s leadership or critical impact in reputable organizations.
- Original Contributions of Major Significance: The evidence did not adequately demonstrate major significant contributions to the field of calligraphy.
- High Salary or Significant Remuneration: No compelling evidence to show that the petitioner’s remuneration was significantly high compared to peers in the field.
Key Points from the Decision
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
- Despite various submissions including letters of recommendation and examples of work, the appeal failed to establish contributions of major significance to the field of calligraphy.
Participation as a Judge:
- The petitioner’s participation as a judge was recognized, but this alone was not sufficient to meet the high standards required for the classification sought.
Supporting Documentation
- Letters of recommendation
- Evidence of exhibitions
- Contracts and sales documents (lacking sufficient translation and verification)
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal is dismissed due to insufficient evidence to meet the required number of evidentiary criteria and failure to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the field of calligraphy.
Reasoning: The petitioner did not adequately establish eligibility for the classification under sustained national or international acclaim.
Next Steps: Reevaluation of the evidence or potential gathering of more robust documentation for a future petition is recommended.
