EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided June 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN212024_02B2203
JudgingMetLeading or critical roleMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedPublished materialClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach with 40+ years experience seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met only two of ten required criteria: judging and leading role. Failed to demonstrate major international award or sufficient acclaim to establish extraordinary ability standard.
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
- Judging · Petitioner participated as judge of BJJ competitors and work of others in field.
- Leading or critical role · Petitioner performed in leading role for distinguished BJJ organizations, though insufficient alone for extraordinary ability.
What was missing
- Awards · Medals and certificates did not demonstrate excellence specifically in BJJ or BJJ coaching; major international award not established.
- Membership · Membership criteria not met; no association requiring outstanding achievements as judged by recognized national or international experts demonstrated.
- Final merits · Only two criteria met; three required. Petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and place among top small percentage.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Petitioner participated as judge of BJJ competitors and work of others in field. |
 Leading or critical role | Met | Petitioner performed in leading role for distinguished BJJ organizations, though insufficient alone for extraordinary ability. |
 Awards | Not met | Medals and certificates did not demonstrate excellence specifically in BJJ or BJJ coaching; major international award not established. |
 Membership | Not met | Membership criteria not met; no association requiring outstanding achievements as judged by recognized national or international experts demonstrated. |
 Original contributions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in detail; no original contributions of major significance to BJJ or coaching established. |
 Published material | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed as failing criterion; insufficient materials in major publications established. |
 Final merits | Not met | Only two criteria met; three required. Petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and place among top small percentage. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.