EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided March 2023Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAR272023_01B2203
Leading or critical roleMetAwardsNot metPublished materialNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Athletic coach claimed three criteria for extraordinary ability in soccer coaching. Director found one criterion met. Petitioner on appeal reasserted awards and published material criteria. AAO held petitioner failed to establish awards were nationally recognized or that published material about him as coach appeared in major media, lacking required sustained acclaim.
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
- Leading or critical role · Director found petitioner performed leading role with Colombian national soccer team
What was missing
- Awards · El Tiempo award lacked explanation and supporting documentation of national recognition
- Published material · Submitted articles lack evidence of publication in major trade publications or major media
- Final merits · Petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim required for coach at top of field
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Leading or critical role | Met | Director found petitioner performed leading role with Colombian national soccer team |
 Awards | Not met | El Tiempo award lacked explanation and supporting documentation of national recognition |
 Published material | Not met | Submitted articles lack evidence of publication in major trade publications or major media |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim required for coach at top of field |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.