Date of Decision: March 27, 2023
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Athletic Coach/Director
Field: Athletics (Soccer)
Nationality: Colombian
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Leading or Critical Role: The Petitioner served in a leading role with the Colombian national soccer team, fulfilling one of the required criteria.
Criteria Not Met:
- Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards: The Petitioner did not establish that the award received from El Tiempo was a nationally or internationally recognized prize. There was no detailed explanation or documentation about the award’s criteria or significance.
- Published Material About the Petitioner: The articles provided did not meet the requirements of being published in major media or professional trade publications, and they focused on the Petitioner’s career as a player rather than as a coach.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won
- Findings: The award from El Tiempo in 2007 was not sufficiently explained or documented to be considered a lesser nationally recognized prize in the field of soccer.
- Key Quotes or References: “The Petitioner did not discuss the criteria used to grant the award, nor did he provide any explanation of the award, only indicating that he received it.”
Published Materials About the Petitioner
- Findings: The articles from La Opinion and El Espectador did not provide sufficient circulation data or comparisons to establish them as major media. Additionally, the content focused on the Petitioner’s athletic career rather than coaching.
- Key Quotes or References: “The Petitioner has submitted insufficient evidence to establish that either article was published in professional or major trade publications or other major media.”
Supporting Documentation
- Awards: Documentation from El Tiempo regarding the award was insufficient to establish national recognition.
- Published Material: Articles from La Opinion and El Espectador lacked necessary circulation data and focused on the Petitioner’s playing career.
Conclusion
Final Determination: Appeal Dismissed
Reasoning: The Petitioner did not meet the necessary criteria for demonstrating extraordinary ability. The award and published material provided did not satisfy the requirements, and the evidence did not show sustained national or international acclaim in the field of coaching.
Next Steps: The Petitioner should gather more substantial evidence of national or international recognition, focusing on the criteria outlined by USCIS, and consider reapplying with additional documentation.
