EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided November 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
NOV252024_04B2203
AwardsMetMembershipNot metOriginal contributionsNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Long-distance runner sought EB-1A classification claiming extraordinary ability. AAO dismissed appeal finding one criterion met but aggregate evidence insufficient; runner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or position among small percentage at field top.
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 · Petitioner demonstrated nationally and internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in distance running field.
What was missing
- Membership · National team membership not established as requiring outstanding achievements; petitioner failed to submit evidence of rigorous selection criteria or explicit qualification standards.
- Original contributions · Claimed but not sufficiently established; no evidence of major significant original contributions in athletics field.
- Final merits · Aggregate record does not support sustained national or international acclaim; achievements do not demonstrate top-tier status required for extraordinary ability classification.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Petitioner demonstrated nationally and internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in distance running field. |
 Membership | Not met | National team membership not established as requiring outstanding achievements; petitioner failed to submit evidence of rigorous selection criteria or explicit qualification standards. |
 Original contributions | Not met | Claimed but not sufficiently established; no evidence of major significant original contributions in athletics field. |
 Final merits | Not met | Aggregate record does not support sustained national or international acclaim; achievements do not demonstrate top-tier status required for extraordinary ability classification. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.