Dismissed
O-1A
O-1A Dismissed — Martial Arts (2007): the petitioner argued the beneficiary, a Brazilian
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Decision Summary
The appeal was dismissed because the petitioner argued the beneficiary, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, should be evaluated as an artist, which has a lower standard of 'distinction.' The AAO determined that coaching a sport falls under the 'athletics' category, which requires proving the beneficiary is at the very top of the field. The petitioner failed to provide evidence that martial arts should be considered an art form for immigration purposes, so the case was correctly evaluated under the stricter athletics criteria.
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Receipt Of A Major, Internationally Recognized Award Receipt Of Nationally Or Internationally Recognized Prizes Or Awards Membership In Associations Which Require Outstanding Achievements Of Their Members Published Material In Professional Or Major Trade Publications
📄 Original decision (USCIS PDF)
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