Outcome: Dismissed
AUG152024_01B2203
Our summary
A taekwondo instructor and athlete sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found he met the judging criterion but not the awards or membership criteria, and overall did not demonstrate the sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.
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
- Judging · Participation as referee and judge of taekwondo competitions established.
What was missing
- Awards · Tournament medals and certificates did not establish nationally or internationally recognized prizes; international competition participation insufficient for international recognition.
- Membership · Membership in taekwondo associations and dan ranking did not establish that membership level required outstanding achievements by recognized experts.
- Final merits · Evidence as a whole does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among top percentage; career progressing toward top rather than at top.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Participation as referee and judge of taekwondo competitions established. | |
| Not met | Tournament medals and certificates did not establish nationally or internationally recognized prizes; international competition participation insufficient for international recognition. | |
| Not met | Membership in taekwondo associations and dan ranking did not establish that membership level required outstanding achievements by recognized experts. | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; decision declined to consider due to evidentiary deficiencies in other criteria. | |
| Not met | Evidence as a whole does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among top percentage; career progressing toward top rather than at top. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
