EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
DEC312020_02B2203
High salaryMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Gymnastics athlete and tumbling performer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed major awards and at least three alternate criteria. AAO found only one criterion met, gold medals do not qualify as major awards, and overall evidence fails to demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier status required for the classification.
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
- High salary · Director acknowledged criterion met; decision did not disturb this finding
What was missing
- Awards · Gold medals from World Games and World Championships not recognized as major internationally recognized awards
- Membership · Director found insufficient evidence; petitioner claimed but decision did not analyze on appeal
- Final merits · Petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim; not in small percentage at top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 High salary | Met | Director acknowledged criterion met; decision did not disturb this finding |
 Awards | Not met | Gold medals from World Games and World Championships not recognized as major internationally recognized awards |
 Membership | Not met | Director found insufficient evidence; petitioner claimed but decision did not analyze on appeal |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim; not in small percentage at top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.