EB-2 NIWSports and athleticsEmployerDecided March 2023Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR162023_01B5203
Merit and national importanceNot metWell positionedNot reached / not discussedBalance favors a waiverNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Youth soccer academy petitioned to employ a soccer coach as an EB-2 beneficiary with national interest waiver. AAO affirmed denial because the coach's youth coaching endeavor lacked national importance; recommendations showed coaching excellence but not prospective impact at industry scale required by Dhanasar.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Merit and national importance · Coaching activities lack potential for broad impact comparable to manufacturing or medical advances; no evidence of replicable methodology or industry-wide dissemination
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Merit and national importance | Not met | Coaching activities lack potential for broad impact comparable to manufacturing or medical advances; no evidence of replicable methodology or industry-wide dissemination |
 Well positioned | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; court reserved opinion on this prong without analysis |
 Balance favors a waiver | Not reached / not discussed | First prong failed; decision did not address balance of interests |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.