EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided April 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR062026_01B2203
AwardsMetMembershipNot metPublished materialNot metJudgingClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Competitive swimmer seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found one criterion met (awards) but withdrew SCOPS findings on membership and published materials; petitioner failed to establish three of ten required criteria. Final merits analysis not reached. Appeal dismissed.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
What the AAO accepted
- Awards · Silver and bronze medals at international competitions documented and recognized.
What was missing
- Membership · National team membership lacks evidence that selectors are recognized national or international experts.
- Published material · SwimSwam publication does not rise to major media level and lacks contextual significance.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Silver and bronze medals at international competitions documented and recognized. |
 Membership | Not met | National team membership lacks evidence that selectors are recognized national or international experts. |
 Published material | Not met | SwimSwam publication does not rise to major media level and lacks contextual significance. |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not analyzed; final merits determination reserved. |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Only one criterion clearly met; three required before merits analysis; final merits reserved. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.