EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided June 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUN282024_01B2203
AwardsMetJudgingNot metMembershipNot metExhibitionsClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A jiu-jitsu athlete self-petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability status, claiming five evidentiary criteria. The AAO found awards established one criterion but rejected membership and judging as not meeting regulatory requirements. The decision concluded the petitioner lacked the sustained acclaim and top-tier recognition required for the classification.
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 · Decision withdrew director's denial and found IBJJF awards establish the criterion.
What was missing
- Judging · Referee duties and belt promotion evaluations lack evidence of exercising judgment to choose ultimate winners.
- Membership · Black belt membership in IBJJF does not demonstrate outstanding achievement as judged by recognized experts.
- Final merits · Record does not show sustained national or international acclaim or placement at the very top of the field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Decision withdrew director's denial and found IBJJF awards establish the criterion. |
 Judging | Not met | Referee duties and belt promotion evaluations lack evidence of exercising judgment to choose ultimate winners. |
 Membership | Not met | Black belt membership in IBJJF does not demonstrate outstanding achievement as judged by recognized experts. |
 Exhibitions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed. |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed. |
 Final merits | Not met | Record does not show sustained national or international acclaim or placement at the very top of the field. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.