Published AAO appeal decisions

A personal fitness trainer claimed extraordinary ability based on work with one film production. The AAO affirmed the director's finding that she met only one criterion and lacked evidence of sustained national acclaim or top-tier status.

Martial arts athlete and coach in taekwondo, muay thai, and hapkido sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO found he met three evidentiary criteria: national awards, published material, and judging. However, the final merits analysis concluded he lacked sustained national or international acclaim required for EB-1A.

An MMA fighter competing in amateur and professional competitions claimed four criteria: awards, published material, original contributions, and displayed achievements. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding only one criterion met and concluding the record did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.

A taekwondo school sought to extend O-1A classification for an athletic trainer with prior approvals. The AAO dismissed a motion to reconsider, holding that prior extensions do not bind current decisions and the beneficiary failed to demonstrate three of eight required criteria or a major internationally recognized award.

A boxer and kickboxer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found the petitioner met one criterion (awards) but failed to establish three required criteria overall. The petitioner lacked sustained national or international acclaim and had not demonstrated the career of acclaimed work required for extraordinary ability.

Rowing coach and former athlete claimed extraordinary ability in athletics. Met three evidentiary criteria but failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required at final merits stage. Appeal dismissed because record did not establish recognition sufficient for EB-1A.

Acrobatic gymnastics coach seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed seven criteria but met only one (judging). AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner satisfied only one criterion when three required, and did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.

A weightlifter claimed extraordinary ability. He satisfied two criteria: awards and judging. The AAO affirmed he failed membership and published material criteria and did not establish original contributions. Without three qualifying criteria, final merits was not reached.

A trainer and former athlete competing for Mexico from 2002-2012 claimed extraordinary ability through five criteria, meeting three. The AAO affirmed three criteria met but dismissed the appeal because the totality of evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim required for top-tier athletes.