Published AAO appeal decisions

Table tennis player seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability claimed one-time achievement and three criteria. Met only awards and published material criteria (two total), falling short of three required. No major internationally recognized award found. Appeal dismissed.

A tennis academy petitioned for a coaching professional seeking O-1A extraordinary ability in athletics. The applicant claimed awards and membership criteria based on scholarships and organization participation but the AAO found neither satisfied the regulatory threshold. The appeal was dismissed because fewer than three evidentiary criteria were met and overall evidence did not demonstrate the small percentage at the field's top.

A powerboat racer sought EB-1A classification as an individual with extraordinary ability. The petitioner claimed awards, membership, and published material criteria. The AAO found the awards criterion met but membership and published material not met. Because fewer than three criteria were satisfied, the AAO dismissed the appeal without reaching the final merits analysis.

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym petitioned for O-1 classification for a jiu-jitsu coach. The AAO dismissed, finding the beneficiary failed to meet three evidentiary criteria: awards lacked documentation of national or international recognition, memberships did not require recognized expert evaluation, and published materials were instructional videos rather than professional publications.

A boxing gym petitioned for an O-1A visa for a boxer claiming extraordinary ability in athletics. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner failed to provide required written advisory opinion consultation and did not demonstrate three of eight evidentiary criteria, with evidence also deficient in translations.

Professional golfer appeals denial. Claimed membership and high salary criteria on appeal; two criteria met overall. AAO dismissed, finding membership requires outstanding achievement not demonstrated and salary at developmental level insufficient for top-tier classification.

A taekwondo studio petitioned for O-1A classification for a taekwondo master. The petitioner claimed awards and membership criteria but failed to establish either through sufficient evidence. The decision also found no proper contract and itinerary for the requested employment period. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet three of eight criteria.

Agent petitioned for volleyball athlete beneficiary for O-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed, finding beneficiary failed to meet a major award or three of eight evidentiary criteria; submitted evidence lacked significance documentation and professional publication status.

A fencing club petitioned for a fencing coach's O-1A classification. The beneficiary claimed extraordinary ability based on competitive fencing awards, coaching accomplishments, and refereeing experience. The AAO found only the judging criterion met; awards predated his coaching career and student achievements did not satisfy his own recognition requirement. Appeal dismissed.

Tennis academy sought O-1A classification for beneficiary tennis coach. AAO found beneficiary lacked major international award and failed to satisfy three of eight evidentiary criteria, particularly regarding awards under comparable evidence standard and membership in qualifying associations.

Freestyle wrestler sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met at least three criteria including awards and published material, but failed final merits determination. AAO found evidence did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at top of field.