Published AAO appeal decisions

Self-petitioner in athletics (equestrian performer) claimed two criteria only. Director found failure on both original contributions and critical role criteria. Appeal summarily dismissed for failure to identify erroneous conclusions of law or fact.

Self-petitioner in athletics (boxer) failed to meet three regulatory criteria. Director found deficiency in awards, published material, original contributions, and high salary criteria, and conducted final merits determination finding no extraordinary ability. Appeal summarily dismissed for general allegations without specific erroneous conclusions.

Self-petitioner in athletics (soccer player) submitted documentation for multiple criteria. AAO found awards criterion deficient in regulatory compliance, published material criterion failed due to missing author identification, and original contributions and final merits criteria not met. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner in athletics (Wushu/martial arts) claimed extraordinary ability. AAO found petitioner lacks sustained national or international acclaim and is not within the small percentage at the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.

Ballroom dance competitor and teacher claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A, asserting awards and published material criteria. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding evidence insufficient to establish three qualifying categories and concluding petitioner's achievements did not demonstrate required sustained national or international acclaim.

Athlete in athletics claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A, asserting membership, original contributions, and judging criteria. The AAO upheld the director's denial, finding petitioner failed to establish three qualifying evidentiary categories required by regulation, thus falling short of the sustained national or international acclaim standard.

Karate practitioner and coach filed self-petition claiming extraordinary ability through competition victory and four regulatory criteria. The AAO found the competition award was not major or internationally recognized, and the petitioner met none of the ten regulatory criteria. Petition dismissed because petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier field status.

Race car driver and suspension specialist sought EB-1A. Claimed extraordinary ability in sports and team management. AAO held record did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the very top percentage of the field, dismissing the petition.

Wrestling coach EB-1A petitioner appealed denial with general assertion that documents were underweighted but failed to identify specific director errors or address regulatory criteria. AAO summarily dismissed under 8 CFR 103.3(a)(1)(v) for lack of specific challenge to denial rationale.

Professional light middleweight boxer claimed extraordinary ability with evidence of awards and national amateur titles. AAO dismissed because despite meeting awards criterion, the overall evidence does not demonstrate petitioner among the very top of the field at national or international level.

Wushu athlete and instructor petitioner failed to specifically address director's findings on appeal, merely reasserting achievements without responding to deficiencies. Director rejected awards, membership, publications, exhibitions, and leading role criteria. AAO dismissed appeal summarily for failure to identify erroneous conclusions and rejected combining athletic and coaching accomplishments as impermissible.

Fencing coach self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability through six regulatory criteria. AAO found petitioner met fewer than three criteria under plain language: awards to students do not qualify, athlete membership does not satisfy coaching association requirement in plural form. Comparable evidence not available; petition dismissed.

Martial artist self-petitioner did not submit qualifying evidence under at least three regulatory criteria, failing the antecedent requirement. AAO concluded petitioner lacked sufficient evidence to proceed to final merits determination and dismissed appeal.

A tennis player transitioning to coaching sought EB-1A status. Although the AAO found she met the awards criterion, the final merits analysis concluded her evidence of sustained acclaim in coaching did not reach the top-tier level required.

Crew chief and lead mechanic in auto racing claimed extraordinary ability and at least three criteria. AAO found award documentation did not establish national or international recognition and evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at top of field. Appeal dismissed.

A taekwondo athlete sought EB-1A classification. The AAO held that submitted awards, though earned through ITF Black Belt standards, lacked evidence of national or international recognition beyond the presenting organizations. The overall evidence failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement at the very top of the field.

Athlete sought EB-1A classification. AAO rejected procedural challenge to request for evidence, found athlete met awards criterion but failed overall final merits analysis showing sustained acclaim among top percentage.

Karate player and instructor claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner failed to demonstrate awards were nationally or internationally recognized; evidence showed recognition only at individual events. Achievements insufficient to establish extraordinary ability. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as soccer coach. Petitioner's competitive playing career ended in late 1980s and no sustained national or international acclaim shown as coach. AAO found achievements significantly above others in field not demonstrated.

Athletic professional claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner presented evidence of awards and achievements. AAO found the evidence insufficient to establish sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the very top of the field, dismissing the appeal.

Ballroom dancer and instructor seeking EB-1A classification via employer petition. Claimed awards and national team membership. AAO found insufficient evidence of nationally recognized awards and no proof team membership required outstanding achievements. Appeal dismissed; sustained acclaim not established.

Competitive swimmer claimed three regulatory criteria including awards and sought comparable evidence consideration. AAO dismissed because evidence does not establish that petitioner's achievements set her significantly above almost all others at national or international level.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as synchronized swimmer. Lacks sustained acclaim post-2003 and clear evidence of continuing in area of extraordinary ability. AAO found achievements not significantly above others in field and no credible intent to continue work in expertise area in United States.

Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A classification as a model. Claimed lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes. AAO found the competition not nationally or internationally recognized and did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or place among very top in field.

The petitioner is a tennis coach and former competitive player who sought extraordinary ability classification in athletics. The petitioner was found not to hold a major award, and the lesser-awards criterion was analyzed and rejected. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the evidence did not show sustained acclaim at the very top.