AAO research
AAO EB-1A decision Aug132008_01B2203: orienteering athlete / physical trainer and common pitfalls in proving awards for eb‑1a
Junior or age‑restricted awards and team memberships do not satisfy the EB‑1A awards or membership criteria; evidence must demonstrate sustained, top‑level national or international acclaim beyond youth categories. Evidence of sustained, top‑level national or international acclaim (awards were regio
Decision Snapshot
Field Value --- --- Decision ID Aug132008_01B2203 Decision date 2008-08-13 Outcome dismissed Field or occupation orienteering athlete / physical trainer Final merits discussed Yes
Criteria Discussed
awards
leading_critical_role
membership
original_contributions
published_material
Criteria Accepted
leading_critical_role
Criteria Rejected
awards
membership
original_contributions
published_material
Core Lesson
Junior or age‑restricted awards and team memberships do not satisfy the EB‑1A awards or membership criteria; evidence must demonstrate sustained, top‑level national or international acclaim beyond youth categories.
Evidence Issue
Evidence of sustained, top‑level national or international acclaim (awards were regional or age‑limited).
Proof that team membership was exclusive to the very top of the field and sustained over time.
Major media coverage or published material focused on the petitioner.
Documentation showing the petitioner’s work had major significance in the field.
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.