EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided February 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
FEB292024_01B2203
AwardsMetMembershipNot metHigh salaryClaimed, not analyzedPublished materialClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
An MMA fighter sought EB-1A classification based on extraordinary ability in athletics. The AAO found she met the awards criterion but failed the membership criterion due to insufficient documentation of selection criteria. The record lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability, and the appeal was dismissed.
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 received numerous lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes including first place finishes at major championships
What was missing
- Membership · Letters from associations lacked sufficient detail regarding membership criteria and how outstanding achievements are judged
- Final merits · Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among top athletes in field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Petitioner received numerous lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes including first place finishes at major championships |
 Membership | Not met | Letters from associations lacked sufficient detail regarding membership criteria and how outstanding achievements are judged |
 High salary | Claimed, not analyzed | Criterion claimed but not analyzed in decision |
 Published material | Claimed, not analyzed | Criterion claimed but not analyzed in decision |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among top athletes in field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.