Date of Decision: September 22, 2021
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Coach
Field: Athletics Training
Nationality: [Nationality not specified in the document]
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Awards and Prizes: The Beneficiary has won several awards, including a gold medal at the 2014 Championships. Although this medal does not qualify as a major, internationally recognized prize, it meets the criterion of winning significant awards in their field.
Membership in Associations: The Beneficiary was a member of Great Britain’s team at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, which qualifies as a membership in an association that requires outstanding achievements.
Published Materials: The Beneficiary has received major media attention as an international athlete, fulfilling the criterion for published material about them in professional or major trade publications.
Leading or Critical Role: The Beneficiary’s coaching position with the Petitioner qualifies as a leading or critical role for an organization or establishment with a distinguished reputation.
Criteria Not Met:
The document did not specify any criteria that were explicitly not met, but it focused on ensuring that the Beneficiary’s achievements as an athlete were recognized equally in their coaching role.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Beneficiary’s gold medal at the 2014 Championships and other significant awards were recognized but not considered a major, internationally recognized prize.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
The Beneficiary has received substantial media attention, supporting their recognition in the field.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Beneficiary’s contributions as both an athlete and coach were acknowledged, particularly their success in training athletes to compete at high levels.
Participation as a Judge:
Not applicable or not mentioned in the decision.
Membership in Associations:
Membership in Great Britain’s Olympic team for 2012 and 2016 was recognized as a significant achievement.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
Not applicable or not mentioned in the decision.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Beneficiary’s role as a coach at a prestigious athletics training club and their involvement in coaching athletes to Olympic levels were crucial in the final determination.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
Not applicable or not mentioned in the decision.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
The document mentioned the Beneficiary’s significant remuneration, indicating their high level of expertise and value to the organization.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable or not mentioned in the decision.
Supporting Documentation
Awards: Documentation of awards and medals won by the Beneficiary.
Media Coverage: Evidence of media attention and publications about the Beneficiary.
Memberships: Proof of membership in high-level athletic teams.
Coaching Achievements: Testimonials and records of the Beneficiary’s coaching success and the performance of their athletes.
Conclusion
Final Determination: Approved
Reasoning:
The USCIS found that the Beneficiary demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim as an athlete and a coach. The totality of evidence showed that the Beneficiary is among the small percentage at the very top of their field of endeavor.
Next Steps:
The Beneficiary can continue to work in the United States in their area of extraordinary ability, and their entry will substantially benefit the country.
This decision highlights the importance of presenting comprehensive evidence of sustained acclaim in both the athletic and coaching careers for EB1 classification.
