Published AAO appeal decisions

Soccer coach and former player sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed appeal, holding petitioner met only two of ten required initial criteria, that sustained acclaim must be in declared field of expertise (coaching, not playing), and career lacks required level of acclaim.

Taekwondo instructor self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO withdrew service center's affirmative findings on three criteria and affirmed failure to meet others, concluding petitioner failed to satisfy the minimum three criteria threshold without reaching final merits.

A rally racing athlete and entrepreneur sought extraordinary ability classification. After an earlier dismissed appeal, he filed a combined motion to reopen and reconsider. The AAO dismissed both, finding no new facts and no incorrect application of law or policy, only reargument of issues already considered.

Former cricket player who competed internationally 2001-2007 sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Met three of ten initial criteria but the AAO dismissed the appeal because the totality of evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim placing him among the very top of his field.

An MMA fighter sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed motions to reopen and reconsider, affirming that while the petitioner met three initial criteria through awards, published material, and judging, the record did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the field.

Martial arts athlete sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO dismissed appeal because petitioner met only one of ten criteria required as initial evidence and failed to establish national or international recognition of awards or qualifications.

Professional squash player seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed seven criteria; AAO found at least three met (awards, published material, and prior comparable evidence finding). Matter remanded for final merits determination on sustained acclaim and placement among top percentile.

A powerlifting coach claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A, meeting three initial criteria. The AAO found he failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of his field because his judging experience lacked prestige, his published articles received no citations, and his accomplishments were insufficiently documented.

Professional underwater rugby player sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed seven criteria; AAO found three met (awards, membership, published material), meeting the regulatory minimum. Decision remanded for final merits determination on sustained acclaim.

A rock climber sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed membership, published material, and judging criteria but failed to meet any. The AAO affirmed dismissal, finding she did not establish the three criteria required and did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or a position among the very top.