EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided September 2021Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP132021_02B2203
JudgingMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
A martial arts athlete competing in karate sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding he satisfied only two of three required criteria: judging and one other. Awards lacked national recognition; national team membership evidence was inconsistent regarding selection rigor.
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
- Judging · Director found petitioner met judging criterion; AAO did not disturb this finding.
What was missing
- Awards · Awards submitted lack evidence of national or international recognition for excellence in martial arts field.
- Membership · National team membership letters contained inconsistent and insufficient information about selection requirements and processes.
- Final merits · Petitioner met only two criteria; at least three required. No sustained national or international acclaim in martial arts demonstrated.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Judging | Met | Director found petitioner met judging criterion; AAO did not disturb this finding. |
 Awards | Not met | Awards submitted lack evidence of national or international recognition for excellence in martial arts field. |
 Membership | Not met | National team membership letters contained inconsistent and insufficient information about selection requirements and processes. |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner met only two criteria; at least three required. No sustained national or international acclaim in martial arts demonstrated. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.