This is an AAO appeal decision — a case denied once and appealed. It shows how the framework is applied; it is not the filing population.
A wrestling/combat-sport coach sought to continue coaching athletes in the United States, based on his prior coaching career in Georgia and other countries.
Field: wrestling/sports coaching · Read the decision (uscis.gov)
EB-2 threshold — not met
Petitioner failed to establish either (1) at least five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty for advanced-degree equivalency, or (2) at least three of the six exceptional-ability criteria (only one of six was met).
How the evidence was treated
- degree · discounted
“the record does not establish that the Petitioner has at least five years of progressive experience in the specialty”
AAO decision text - resume experience · discounted
“they are not evidence in the form of letters from current or former employers of the Petitioner”
AAO decision text - recommendation letter · discounted
“it does not recognize any significant contributions the Petitioner has made to the industry or field”
AAO decision text - certification membership · discounted
“the record does not establish that any of the Petitioner's training certificates are the type of license or certification required”
AAO decision text
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Notable
AAO dismissed the appeal entirely on threshold EB-2 eligibility grounds (neither advanced degree equivalency nor exceptional ability established) and expressly declined to reach the Dhanasar national interest waiver prongs, citing INS v. Bagamasbad and Matter of L-A-C- for the proposition that agencies need not decide unnecessary issues.
Authorities this decision leans on
From the doctrinal survivor set — 187 authority tests across 47 distinct authorities cleared the differential-lift gates. Only those appear here.
- 8 C.F.R. 103.2(b)(1)
- 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(2)
- 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(3)(ii)
- 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(3)(iii)
- Matter of L-A-C-
Cases in adjacent profiles
- The Petitioner, an aircraft mechanic and instructor, proposed to enhance aviation maintenance training programs, support
- The Petitioner seeks EB-2 classification as a member of the professions holding an advanced degree with a national inter
- The petitioner sought an EB-2 national interest waiver of the job offer requirement, but the substance of the proposed e
- The Beneficiary, sponsored by a private airline, sought EB-2 classification as an individual of exceptional ability in a
- The petitioner sought an EB-2 national interest waiver as a member of the professions holding an advanced degree; the sp