EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided April 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
APR172025_05B2203
Published materialMetAwardsNot metJudgingNot metMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Mixed martial arts competitor claimed four criteria for extraordinary ability but satisfied only published material. Failed to meet three-criterion threshold. AAO held insufficient evidence of major awards, qualifying memberships, or judging participation, and that aggregate record does not demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier status required.
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
- Published material · SCOPS determined Petitioner satisfied published material criterion
What was missing
- Awards · No major, internationally recognized award demonstrated
- Judging · Did not produce evidence of actual participation as judge; fell short of criterion requirements
- Membership · Appointment as federation representative does not constitute membership; lacks outstanding achievement requirement
- Final merits · Record does not support sustained national or international acclaim or top tier status in field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Published material | Met | SCOPS determined Petitioner satisfied published material criterion |
 Awards | Not met | No major, internationally recognized award demonstrated |
 Judging | Not met | Did not produce evidence of actual participation as judge; fell short of criterion requirements |
 Membership | Not met | Appointment as federation representative does not constitute membership; lacks outstanding achievement requirement |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not support sustained national or international acclaim or top tier status in field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.