EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided May 2026Remanded
Outcome: Remanded
MAY052026_02B2203
AwardsMetLeading or critical roleMetPublished materialMetMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
A karate athlete appealing a denial for extraordinary ability classification satisfied three initial evidentiary criteria: awards, published materials, and leading role. The AAO remanded for a final merits determination examining whether the evidence demonstrates sustained national or international acclaim and places him among the very top of the field.
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 · Record contains sufficient documentary evidence of nationally and internationally recognized karate awards
- Leading or critical role · SCOPS determination granted this criterion; not overturned on appeal
- Published material · SCOPS determination granted this criterion; not overturned on appeal
What was missing
- Membership · Petitioner failed to demonstrate national team membership requires outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Record contains sufficient documentary evidence of nationally and internationally recognized karate awards |
 Leading or critical role | Met | SCOPS determination granted this criterion; not overturned on appeal |
 Published material | Met | SCOPS determination granted this criterion; not overturned on appeal |
 Membership | Not met | Petitioner failed to demonstrate national team membership requires outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Remanded for SCOPS to conduct final merits determination weighing totality of evidence and sustained acclaim |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.