Outcome: Dismissed
APR282026_05B2203
Our summary
A hockey player from Russia self-petitioned for extraordinary ability classification, having satisfied at least three initial criteria. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding that while criteria were met, the totality of evidence—youth and junior achievements, plus professional play in lower-tier leagues—failed to demonstrate he is among the small percentage at the very top of the field.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Final merits · Amateur and junior hockey experience plus KHL and ECHL play do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Not met | Amateur and junior hockey experience plus KHL and ECHL play do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
