Outcome: Dismissed
NOV052025_02B2203
Our summary
Karate coach seeking extraordinary ability classification. Prior appeal found two criteria met; matter reopened. Petitioner claimed seven additional criteria, but AAO found award certificates do not qualify and lack national recognition. Even with two prior criteria met, final merits analysis shows insufficient acclaim for top-level status in 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 · Previously determined met by prior AAO decision; not disturbed
- Membership · Previously determined met by prior AAO decision; not disturbed
What was missing
- Published material · Certificates to federation not qualifying awards; do not show personal receipt or national or international recognition
- Final merits · Even if three criteria met, petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim placing him among very top coaches
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Met | Previously determined met by prior AAO decision; not disturbed | |
| Met | Previously determined met by prior AAO decision; not disturbed | |
| Not met | Certificates to federation not qualifying awards; do not show personal receipt or national or international recognition | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in this reopened decision | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in this reopened decision | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in this reopened decision | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not discussed in this reopened decision | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in this reopened decision | |
| Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in this reopened decision | |
| Not met | Even if three criteria met, petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim placing him among very top coaches |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.
