EB-1A denied at final merits despite meeting 3 criteria :( has anyone successfully refiled?
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to hear from people who have gone through something similar or have seen similar EB-1A cases.
My EB-1A was filed with premium processing at NSC. USCIS acknowledged that I met three criteria:
- Critical role
- Judging
- High salary
They did not accept original contributions, and the petition was ultimately denied at the final merits determination stage.
I’m now trying to decide whether to refile quickly or take more time to strengthen the case. I’m especially interested in hearing from people who were denied after meeting 3+ criteria but later got approved.
For anyone who has refiled after a final merits denial:
- What changed between your denied petition and approved petition?
- Did you add new evidence, restructure the petition, or mainly improve the final merits argument?
- Did you try to strengthen a fourth criterion, such as original contributions?
- Did you refile with premium processing again?
- Looking back, what do you wish you had done differently?
I know every case is different, but real experiences would be very helpful as I figure out next steps.
Thank you in advance - any advice, examples, or attorney recommendations would be greatly appreciated.