EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided May 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
MAY282025_02B2203
Published materialMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A water polo player claimed four EB-1A criteria but satisfied only one. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding no major award, insufficient criteria met, and no evidence of the extraordinary sustained acclaim required for EB-1A classification at the sport's highest level.
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
- Published material · SCOPS determined petitioner satisfied this criterion; AAO did not disturb.
What was missing
- Awards · Finalist nomination does not constitute major, internationally recognized award.
- Membership · National team membership not shown to meet all elements; petitioner bore burden to prove each.
- Final merits · Petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier status in sport.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Published material | Met | SCOPS determined petitioner satisfied this criterion; AAO did not disturb. |
 Awards | Not met | Finalist nomination does not constitute major, internationally recognized award. |
 Membership | Not met | National team membership not shown to meet all elements; petitioner bore burden to prove each. |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or top-tier status in sport. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.