EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided February 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB132020_03B2203
AwardsMetLeading or critical roleMetMembershipMetJudgingNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Rowing coach and former athlete claimed extraordinary ability in athletics. Met three evidentiary criteria but failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required at final merits stage. Appeal dismissed because record did not establish recognition sufficient for EB-1A.
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 · Petitioner met criterion as rower competing at national championships
- Leading or critical role · Served in leading or critical role as rowing coach
- Membership · Member of national rowing teams with selection based on competitive wins
What was missing
- Judging · Umpiring regattas does not meet regulatory requirement for judging work of others
- Final merits · Despite meeting three criteria, petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national acclaim
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Petitioner met criterion as rower competing at national championships |
 Leading or critical role | Met | Served in leading or critical role as rowing coach |
 Membership | Met | Member of national rowing teams with selection based on competitive wins |
 Judging | Not met | Umpiring regattas does not meet regulatory requirement for judging work of others |
 Final merits | Not met | Despite meeting three criteria, petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national acclaim |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.