EB-1ASports and athleticsIndividualDecided September 2023Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
SEP272023_01B2203
ExhibitionsMetPublished materialMetAwardsNot metMembershipNot metFinal meritsNot met
Our summary
Professional surfer claims extraordinary ability in competitive surfing. Petitioner established two initial criteria but not the required three minimum. Awards criterion failed; team bronze medal did not constitute individual award. Membership criterion failed; no evidence organizations required outstanding achievements by recognized experts. AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim to meet extraordinary ability standard.
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
- Exhibitions · Director found criterion satisfied; petitioner did not dispute on appeal
- Published material · Director found criterion satisfied; petitioner did not dispute on appeal
What was missing
- Awards · Bronze medal from team participation did not constitute individual award meeting plain language requirement
- Membership · No evidence that membership in surfing organizations required outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts
- Final merits · Petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at top
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Exhibitions | Met | Director found criterion satisfied; petitioner did not dispute on appeal |
 Published material | Met | Director found criterion satisfied; petitioner did not dispute on appeal |
 Awards | Not met | Bronze medal from team participation did not constitute individual award meeting plain language requirement |
 Membership | Not met | No evidence that membership in surfing organizations required outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts |
 Final merits | Not met | Petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at top |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.