EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided August 2026Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
AUG242026_02B2203
AwardsMetMembershipMetLeading or critical roleNot metPublished materialNot metJudgingClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A competitive swimmer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO held he failed to meet the evidentiary threshold, finding only two criteria satisfied and rejecting published material and leading role claims. Final merits also not demonstrated despite claimed accomplishments.
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 · USCIS determination that criterion was satisfied not disturbed on appeal
- Membership · USCIS determination that criterion was satisfied not disturbed on appeal
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Competition successes are personal accomplishments, not leadership roles managing or directing others
- Published material · Articles merely listed competition results with petitioner mentioned in passing; insufficient detail about petitioner
- Final merits · Achievements insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim; not among small percentage at top
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | USCIS determination that criterion was satisfied not disturbed on appeal |
 Membership | Met | USCIS determination that criterion was satisfied not disturbed on appeal |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Competition successes are personal accomplishments, not leadership roles managing or directing others |
 Published material | Not met | Articles merely listed competition results with petitioner mentioned in passing; insufficient detail about petitioner |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Criterion never claimed or discussed |
 Final merits | Not met | Achievements insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim; not among small percentage at top |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.