EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided June 2023Sustained
Outcome: Sustained
JUN212023_01B2203
AwardsMetHigh salaryMetLeading or critical roleMetPublished materialMetFinal meritsMet
Our summary
A professional baseball player sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed and met four criteria: awards, published material, critical role, and high salary. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding the petitioner demonstrated sustained national acclaim and recognized achievements, qualifying him as among the small percentage at the top of professional baseball.
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 · Received 2019 MLB American League Player of the Week Award
- High salary · Commanded high salary relative to other professional baseball players
- Leading or critical role · Starting outfielder in distinguished MLB organization performing critical role
- Published material · Subject of articles in major media including ESPN, USA Today, MLB.com
- Final merits · Totality of evidence demonstrates sustained national acclaim and expertise at top of field
What was missing
Every criterion in the table was found met.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Received 2019 MLB American League Player of the Week Award |
 High salary | Met | Commanded high salary relative to other professional baseball players |
 Leading or critical role | Met | Starting outfielder in distinguished MLB organization performing critical role |
 Published material | Met | Subject of articles in major media including ESPN, USA Today, MLB.com |
 Final merits | Met | Totality of evidence demonstrates sustained national acclaim and expertise at top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.