EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided 2009Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
Feb122009_01B2203
AwardsMetLeading or critical roleMetMembershipClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Athletic coach sought extraordinary ability classification. Met two criteria (awards and leading role) but needed three. AAO rejected argument that same evidence satisfies membership criterion separately, finding petitioner lacked sustained national or international acclaim at coaching's very top level.
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 · Olympic medals won by petitioner's athletes deemed comparable evidence of awards
- Leading or critical role · Evidence directly relates to leading role as Olympic coach
What was missing
- Final merits · Evidence shows talent but does not demonstrate petitioner distinguished at very top of coaching field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Olympic medals won by petitioner's athletes deemed comparable evidence of awards |
 Leading or critical role | Met | Evidence directly relates to leading role as Olympic coach |
 Membership | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but rejected; same evidence cannot satisfy both leading role and membership criteria separately |
 Final merits | Not met | Evidence shows talent but does not demonstrate petitioner distinguished at very top of coaching field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.