EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided September 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP082025_01B2203
High salaryNot metMembershipNot metJudgingClaimed, not analyzedLeading or critical roleClaimed, not analyzedOriginal contributionsClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Pilot petitioner claimed five EB-1A criteria. AAO found membership criterion not met because fellowship selection was not judged by recognized experts. High salary claim failed because compensation matched standard rates for comparable service. Petitioner met fewer than three required criteria, so appeal dismissed without final merits review.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- High salary · Pilot salary standard for years of service, not high relative to field comparables
- Membership · Fellowship membership failed to prove experts judge selection based on outstanding achievement
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 High salary | Not met | Pilot salary standard for years of service, not high relative to field comparables |
 Membership | Not met | Fellowship membership failed to prove experts judge selection based on outstanding achievement |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed on appeal; petitioner did not overcome service center determination |
 Leading or critical role | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed on appeal; petitioner did not overcome service center determination |
 Original contributions | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed on appeal; petitioner did not overcome service center determination |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Threshold initial evidence not met; final merits determination reserved |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.