Published AAO appeal decisions

Self-represented athlete with multiple claimed fields (running, wrestling) sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO found no established primary field of endeavor, no documented prizes, and no evidence of sustained acclaim or critical role in any field.

Self-petitioner initially approved for EB-1A extraordinary ability, then revocation proceeding initiated. Met awards criterion but failed membership and published material criteria. AAO sustained revocation, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field.

An EB-1A petitioner (karate instructor or referee) claimed to meet at least three criteria. The AAO found awards and membership criteria unmet due to insufficient evidence of their requirements and significance. Overall evidence did not show sustained acclaim placing petitioner among the very top.

A circus performer claimed extraordinary ability through a second-place award in a national Brazilian circus festival. The AAO held the award not nationally or internationally recognized as required and noted participation invitations alone do not demonstrate top-tier status. Appeal dismissed for insufficient acclaim.

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.

Professional cyclist and coach sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim; regional race wins and local team memberships insufficient to show extraordinary ability at the very top of the field.

Track and field coach sought EB-1A classification for extraordinary ability in athletics, citing coaching achievements and participant Olympic medals. The AAO rejected the awards criterion as the petitioner coached rather than personally won major awards, found published material inadmissible because post-filed, and held overall evidence insufficient for sustained national or international acclaim at the field's top.

A wrestler sought extraordinary ability classification. The AAO reviewed six criteria but found no evidence supporting any. Petitioner submitted no documentation of awards, membership, publications, or leadership roles. Evidence failed to demonstrate sustained national acclaim or that petitioner stood among the very top in the field.

A runner petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim. Evidence of awards and team selections did not meet the criteria when evaluated for their indicative value of sustained acclaim at the highest level.

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.

Competitive swimmer and Hungarian national team member claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner demonstrated national and international prize wins and team membership. AAO found evidence of awards but insufficient to establish sustained acclaim at very top of field or continued work plan in US. Appeal dismissed.

Bodybuilder and fitness trainer claimed extraordinary ability in athletics. AAO held petitioner failed to demonstrate receipt of major internationally recognized award and did not meet three regulatory criteria. Evidence did not support sustained acclaim at top level.

Sports aerobics competitor and instructor claimed extraordinary ability in athletics. AAO held petitioner demonstrated only minimal evidence of two criteria, with issues regarding prestige of competitions and membership. Evidence insufficient for sustained acclaim at top level.

A karate competitor filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability through awards, membership, media coverage, and judging criteria. The AAO found one criterion met but concluded the overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the small percentage at the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.

An athlete in arts and athletics sought extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found no major internationally recognized awards and concluded youth/amateur competition awards do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level required.

Soccer player petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on youth and amateur tournament awards. AAO held awards from amateur and youth competitions do not demonstrate sustained acclaim at very top of professional field. Evidence insufficient to establish petitioner among small percentage at top.

Professional shooter and trainer seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding national shooting championship awards do not establish sustained international acclaim and achievements lack the evidence required for extraordinary ability status.

Athletic coach sought extraordinary ability classification. Met two criteria (awards and leading role) but needed three. AAO rejected argument that same evidence satisfies membership criterion separately, finding petitioner lacked sustained national or international acclaim at coaching's very top level.

Professional soccer player and instructor seeking EB-1A classification as self-petitioner. Claimed awards and published material from 1990s; intended to work as coach in United States. AAO found awards too old and awards from unclear league, articles stale, and coaching distinct from competitive playing. Appeal dismissed.

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.

Athlete in arts and athletics claimed three EB-1A criteria and argued three criteria suffice. AAO dismissed because awards from amateur competitions do not show extraordinary ability, and petitioner failed to demonstrate intent to continue work in United States.

Martial artist and nonprofit organization founder claimed extraordinary ability through athletic achievements and planned business activities. AAO affirmed denial, finding no evidence of nationally recognized competitive prizes since 2001, no qualifying published material, and no clear commitment to expertise area in the United States.

Marathon runner sought EB-1A classification based on race medals and organizational memberships. Petitioner submitted photographs of awards and participation certificates without corroborating documentation. AAO found evidence showed participation in numerous marathons but no performance indicating national or international acclaim.

Amateur kickboxer seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed awards from Asian Games and amateur championships; national team participation. AAO affirmed director's finding that petitioner failed to meet awards criterion and did not establish requisite acclaim. Appeal dismissed for failure to specifically address errors.

Swimmer and coach petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field either as athlete or coach. AAO found no evidence of intention to continue in area of expertise and dismissed appeal for failing to meet EB-1A requirements.