AAO research
AAO EB-1A decision Dec022011_02B2203: taekwondo coaching / sports instruction and common pitfalls in proving awards for eb‑1a
A single sports award or medal is insufficient for the EB‑1A awards criterion; you must provide independent proof that the award is nationally or internationally recognized. Independent evidence that the award is nationally or internationally recognized; Proof of the organization’s reputation and th
Decision Snapshot
Field Value --- --- Decision ID Dec022011_02B2203 Decision date not stated Outcome dismissed Field or occupation taekwondo coaching / sports instruction Final merits discussed Yes
Criteria Discussed
awards
high_salary
judging
leading_critical_role
membership
original_contributions
published_material
Criteria Accepted
Not stated in the extracted decision plan.
Criteria Rejected
awards
high_salary
judging
leading_critical_role
membership
original_contributions
published_material
Core Lesson
A single sports award or medal is insufficient for the EB‑1A awards criterion; you must provide independent proof that the award is nationally or internationally recognized.
Evidence Issue
Independent evidence that the award is nationally or internationally recognized
Proof of the organization’s reputation and the plural‑member requirement for a leading critical role
Evidence that the referee role constitutes judging the work of others
Documentation of membership in an association that requires outstanding achievement
Evidence of original contributions of major significance
Published material about the petitioner in major trade or media outlets
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Source Note
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