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EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided August 2024Dismissed

Outcome: Dismissed

AUG082024_05B2203

High salaryMetPublished materialMetAwardsNot metMembershipClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met

Our summary

An MMA lightweight fighter sought EB-1A classification claiming a major international award and multiple alternate criteria. The AAO found the petitioner met published material and high salary criteria but lacked the major international award and failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.

Official PDF

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Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.

What the AAO accepted

  • High salary · Director determined petitioner met criterion for high salary in field
  • Published material · Director determined petitioner met criterion for published material about work in field

What was missing

  • Awards · UFC locker bonus does not constitute a major internationally recognized award for excellence
  • Final merits · Record shows MMA fighter with some UFC wins but lacks sustained international acclaim required

Criteria

CriterionReadingWhy
High salaryMetDirector determined petitioner met criterion for high salary in field
Published materialMetDirector determined petitioner met criterion for published material about work in field
AwardsNot metUFC locker bonus does not constitute a major internationally recognized award for excellence
MembershipClaimed, not analyzedClaimed on appeal but not analyzed; decision does not address membership criterion
Original contributionsClaimed, not analyzedClaimed on appeal but not analyzed; decision does not address original contributions criterion
Final meritsNot metRecord shows MMA fighter with some UFC wins but lacks sustained international acclaim required

A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.

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