Published AAO appeal decisions

Athlete petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Service center found petitioner met awards criterion; AAO reversed, finding regional age-group competition awards insufficient to demonstrate top-level field position. Petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim. Appeal dismissed.

A competitive swimmer sought extraordinary ability classification in athletics. The petitioner met only two of the three required regulatory criteria. The AAO found a bronze medal from years before filing did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at time of petition, and petitioner failed to show entry would substantially benefit the United States. Appeal dismissed.

Professional baseball player seeking EB-1A. Claimed single award, Major League Baseball membership, and high salary. AAO found award temporally distant, membership based on employment rather than achievement, and salary documentation not temporally relevant. Overall evidence insufficient to show sustained national or international acclaim at the very top.

Athlete in Russia with Master Sport designation and third-place world ranking claimed extraordinary ability. Counsel filed appeal stating decision erroneous and promising detailed brief within thirty days but never submitted it after nine months. AAO summarily dismissed appeal for failure to specifically address director's findings or provide additional evidence.

Ice skating coach and trainer sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO found beneficiary lacked sustained national or international acclaim, as competitive athletic achievements ended in 2002 and coaching credentials did not demonstrate top-level status.

A karate instructor with counsel representation sought EB-1A classification. Rank promotions and competitive results from 1990s-2003 did not meet awards criteria. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding no sustained national or international acclaim and no evidence of intent to continue competing in the United States.

An employer petitioned for a soccer coach's EB-1A extraordinary ability classification, relying on prior competitive accomplishments. The AAO dismissed the appeal, holding that university-level medals do not constitute national awards and the beneficiary failed to demonstrate sustained acclaim either as a player or subsequent coach.

Jockey claimed extraordinary ability in athletics through awards, published materials, and critical role. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level of the profession.