Date of Decision: June 21, 2024
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB-1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Coach
Field: Martial Arts and Sports Coaching
Nationality: Not specified in the document
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Dismissed
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Judging the Work of Others: Evidence demonstrated that the petitioner participated as a judge of work in the field, including refereeing competitions and evaluating performances.
- Performance in a Leading or Critical Role: The petitioner successfully demonstrated leadership roles, such as president of a renowned Jiu-Jitsu organization.
Criteria Not Met:
- Published Material About the Petitioner:
- Articles provided did not qualify as published in major media or professional trade publications.
- Submissions from personal websites or marketing materials were not admissible as independent evidence.
- Original Contributions of Major Significance:
- Letters attested to contributions like unique training methods and founding organizations. However, the evidence lacked corroboration of major significance within the broader field.
- Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Awards:
- Awards and certificates did not meet the standard of being nationally or internationally recognized for excellence.
Key Points from the Decision
Judging the Work of Others:
The petitioner’s role as a referee and evaluator at multiple BJJ competitions was supported by documentation and satisfied the criterion.
Leadership Roles:
The petitioner demonstrated his role as a founding member and president of a distinguished Jiu-Jitsu organization. Supporting letters highlighted his contributions to promoting the sport internationally.
Published Materials and Media:
The articles failed to demonstrate prominence or qualification as major media, with many focusing on local or organizational content.
Awards and Achievements:
The petitioner provided certificates and medals, but they were not shown to be awarded for excellence in BJJ coaching or recognized on a national or international level.
Original Contributions:
The petitioner claimed unique teaching methodologies and organizational contributions. However, evidence lacked independent corroboration of widespread implementation or influence.
Supporting Documentation
Judging Activities: Evidence of referee roles and evaluation at competitions.
Leadership Evidence: Documentation of leadership in organizations with distinguished reputations.
Published Articles: Lacked evidence of prominence in major trade or professional publications.
Awards and Recognition: Provided but insufficiently documented for national or international significance.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was dismissed.
Reasoning:
The petitioner met two of the evidentiary criteria but failed to satisfy the regulatory requirement of at least three. The record did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or recognition as one of the small percentage at the very top of their field.
