Date of Decision: June 22, 2023
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Chess Trainer
Field: Athletics (Chess)
Nationality: Not specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Leading or Critical Role: The petitioner met the criterion for having played a leading or critical role in a distinguished organization. He served as a coach for the Women’s National Team, which earned a silver medal in 2022.
- Performance as a Judge: The petitioner participated as a judge of the work of others in the field, specifically as a Chief Arbiter and Deputy Arbiter in several chess tournaments.
Criteria Not Met:
- Membership in Associations: The petitioner did not demonstrate membership in associations that require outstanding achievements judged by recognized experts.
- Original Contributions: The petitioner’s evidence did not establish original contributions of major significance in his field.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
- No specific awards or prizes were mentioned.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
- No published materials about the petitioner were provided.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
- The petitioner claimed to have made significant contributions but did not provide sufficient evidence to support this.
Participation as a Judge:
- The petitioner served as a Chief Arbiter and Deputy Arbiter in various chess tournaments, but the documentation provided did not fully satisfy the required criteria.
Membership in Associations:
- The petitioner’s memberships in the Norwegian Chess Federation and the US Chess Federation were noted, but the criteria for these memberships did not meet the standards of requiring outstanding achievements.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
- No evidence of authorship of scholarly articles was provided.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
- The petitioner successfully demonstrated his role as a coach for the Women’s National Team, which earned a silver medal.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
- Not applicable.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
- No evidence of high salary or remuneration was provided.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
- Not applicable.
Supporting Documentation
- FIDE Certificate: Documentation of the petitioner’s title as a FIDE Instructor, which requires a recommendation, experience, education, and a minimum rating.
- Tournament Details: Printouts from the International Chess Federation’s website showing the petitioner’s roles in various tournaments.
- Letters and Certificates: Various letters and certificates from chess organizations.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was dismissed.
Reasoning: The petitioner did not meet the required evidentiary criteria to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the field of chess.
Next Steps: The petitioner should gather more substantial evidence of extraordinary ability, including more robust documentation of memberships, contributions, and roles.
