EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided February 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB262021_06B2203
High salaryMetAwardsNot metExhibitionsNot metMembershipNot metPublished materialNot metLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A racehorse jockey from Venezuela seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Petitioner claimed six criteria but established only high salary. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding no nationally or internationally recognized awards, no qualifying association membership, no published material in major media, no exhibitions, and insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim or top-tier status despite some domestic racing success.
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 · Decision states petitioner satisfied only the criterion relating to salary or other remuneration.
What was missing
- Awards · No nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence demonstrated.
- Exhibitions · No evidence of display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
- Membership · Only a government jockey license shown, not membership in an association requiring outstanding achievement.
- Published material · Articles not in professional or major trade publications; many articles not about the petitioner or published after filing.
- Final merits · No sustained national or international acclaim or evidence of reaching the top of the field demonstrated.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 High salary | Met | Decision states petitioner satisfied only the criterion relating to salary or other remuneration. |
 Awards | Not met | No nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence demonstrated. |
 Exhibitions | Not met | No evidence of display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases. |
 Membership | Not met | Only a government jockey license shown, not membership in an association requiring outstanding achievement. |
 Published material | Not met | Articles not in professional or major trade publications; many articles not about the petitioner or published after filing. |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed; decision did not evaluate this criterion. |
 Final merits | Not met | No sustained national or international acclaim or evidence of reaching the top of the field demonstrated. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.