EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided February 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB132025_02B2203
AwardsMetPublished materialMetLeading or critical roleNot metMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A tennis player sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification with two initial criteria met. She claimed membership in national team and leadership role on university team. The AAO affirmed denials on both: national team membership lacks expert judgment; university team lacks distinguished reputation. Only two criteria met; three required minimum.
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 · Service Center finding affirmed: lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence
- Published material · Service Center finding affirmed: subject of published material about work in field
What was missing
- Leading or critical role · Leadership role on university team established but team lacked distinguished reputation
- Membership · National team membership does not satisfy criterion; no recognized experts judging members; comparable evidence not applicable
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Service Center finding affirmed: lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence |
 Published material | Met | Service Center finding affirmed: subject of published material about work in field |
 Leading or critical role | Not met | Leadership role on university team established but team lacked distinguished reputation |
 Membership | Not met | National team membership does not satisfy criterion; no recognized experts judging members; comparable evidence not applicable |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because petitioner failed to meet minimum three evidentiary requirements |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.