Published AAO appeal decisions

Circus entertainment business petitions for circus performer with prior O-1 status. Service center denied finding he lacks sustained national or international acclaim. Appeal summarily dismissed because petitioner failed to identify specific erroneous conclusions of law or fact and did not submit promised brief or additional evidence within required timeframe.

Martial arts academy petitioned for taekwondo instructor under O-1A. Director found beneficiary lacks sustained national or international acclaim and failed at least three of eight evidentiary criteria. AAO dismissed, holding beneficiary is skilled athlete but did not establish extraordinary ability as coach.

Gymnastics club petitioned for O-1A visa for foreign gymnastics coach. AAO held beneficiary lacked major internationally recognized award and failed to satisfy at least three evidentiary criteria; prior athletic acclaim insufficient without demonstrating sustained coaching-level extraordinary ability.

Boxing and fitness facility petitioned for professional boxer under O-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found beneficiary did not satisfy initial evidentiary requirements, meeting none of eight regulatory criteria; evidence showed skill but not sustained national or international acclaim required for O-1A.

An athlete and coach sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found the awards criterion not met because achievements lacked documentation as nationally or internationally recognized honors. The petitioner did not satisfy at least three criteria. The appeal was dismissed as petitioner failed to establish eligibility.

A business seeking O-1A classification for a horse trainer and groom for the cutting horse industry. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the beneficiary's duties fall under athletics, not the arts, and therefore the wrong visa category was requested. No O-1A criteria were analyzed on the merits.