EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided November 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV212024_03B2203
AwardsMetExhibitionsMetJudgingMetMembershipClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete seeks EB-1A classification for extraordinary ability. Though three criteria were met (awards, judging, exhibitions), the AAO found the totality of evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim or place 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 establishes lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes and awards for excellence.
- Exhibitions · Record satisfies criterion for display of work at exhibitions or showcases.
- Judging · AAO reversed Director; referee role involves discretionary judgment meeting criterion for judging work of others.
What was missing
- Final merits · Three criteria satisfied but totality of record does not show sustained national or international acclaim at top of field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Record establishes lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes and awards for excellence. |
 Exhibitions | Met | Record satisfies criterion for display of work at exhibitions or showcases. |
 Judging | Met | AAO reversed Director; referee role involves discretionary judgment meeting criterion for judging work of others. |
 Membership | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but reserved; AAO did not decide after finding three criteria met. |
 Final merits | Not met | Three criteria satisfied but totality of record does not show sustained national or international acclaim at top of field. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.