EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided September 2024Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP122024_01B2203
AwardsMetPublished materialMetMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A triathlete seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner satisfied only two of ten required evidentiary criteria: published materials and awards. She did not establish membership in elite associations or critical roles, and failed to demonstrate sustained national acclaim placing her in the small percentage at the very top of triathlon.
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 · Bronze medal from 2022 competition satisfies criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards.
- Published material · Director and AAO both concluded published materials about petitioner in major media satisfy this criterion.
What was missing
- Membership · Evidence does not demonstrate membership in association requiring outstanding achievements as judged by recognized experts.
- Final merits · Only two criteria met; three required. Petitioner has not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim at top of field.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | Bronze medal from 2022 competition satisfies criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards. |
 Published material | Met | Director and AAO both concluded published materials about petitioner in major media satisfy this criterion. |
 Membership | Not met | Evidence does not demonstrate membership in association requiring outstanding achievements as judged by recognized experts. |
 Final merits | Not met | Only two criteria met; three required. Petitioner has not demonstrated 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.