EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided September 2025Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP242025_01B2203
AwardsMetLeading or critical roleMetPublished materialMetJudgingClaimed, not analyzedMembershipClaimed, not analyzedScholarly articlesClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Helicopter pilot self-petitioner claimed six criteria for EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found three criteria met: awards, published material, and leading critical role. However, AAO denied the petition because evidence spanning only 2018–2024 does not establish sustained acclaim or placement 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 · FAI international award for outstanding pilots recognized by International Olympic Committee
- Leading or critical role · SCOPS and AAO agreed petitioner met criterion for leading or critical role in distinguished organizations
- Published material · Published material in professional and major media about petitioner's aviation work
What was missing
- Final merits · Evidence limited to 2018–2024 period does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Met | FAI international award for outstanding pilots recognized by International Olympic Committee |
 Leading or critical role | Met | SCOPS and AAO agreed petitioner met criterion for leading or critical role in distinguished organizations |
 Published material | Met | Published material in professional and major media about petitioner's aviation work |
 Judging | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in decision |
 Membership | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in decision |
 Scholarly articles | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed but not analyzed in decision |
 Final merits | Not met | Evidence limited to 2018–2024 period does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.