AAO research

AAO EB-1A decision Apr292010_01B2203: karate (martial arts) and published-material evidence pitfalls for eb-1a

Do not rely on Wikipedia or other non‑major media for the published‑material criterion, and do not characterize athletic competitions as artistic displays; instead provide independent, verifiable evidence and proper documentation for leadership, original contributions, and membership requirements. I

Decision Snapshot

Field Value --- --- Decision ID Apr292010_01B2203 Decision date 2010-04-29 Outcome dismissed Field or occupation karate (martial arts) Final merits discussed Yes

Criteria Discussed

  • artistic_display

  • awards

  • leading_critical_role

  • membership

  • original_contributions

  • published_material

Criteria Accepted

  • awards

  • membership

Criteria Rejected

  • artistic_display

  • leading_critical_role

  • original_contributions

  • published_material

Core Lesson

Do not rely on Wikipedia or other non‑major media for the published‑material criterion, and do not characterize athletic competitions as artistic displays; instead provide independent, verifiable evidence and proper documentation for leadership, original contributions, and membership requirements.

Evidence Issue

  • Independent, third‑party evidence that the petitioner’s contributions are of major significance

  • Organizational charts or other documentation proving a leading or critical role

  • Reliable, major‑media coverage; Wikipedia is not acceptable for the published‑material criterion

  • Proof that the claimed memberships require outstanding achievement as an essential condition for admission

  • Evidence that athletic competitions qualify as artistic displays

How This Connects

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Source Note

Non-precedent AAO decisions are used as evidence examples. They are not binding authority and do not predict any individual case.