Date of Decision: August 8, 2017
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Epee Fencer and Fencing Coach
Field: Athletics
Nationality: Israel
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards:
The petitioner won junior world championships and other nationally recognized awards in Israel, demonstrating recognition in the field of fencing.
Membership in Associations:
The petitioner was a member of Israel’s national senior team, a significant association requiring outstanding achievements.
Criteria Not Met:
One-time Achievement:
The petitioner’s gold medal at the Maccabiah Games was not recognized as a major, internationally recognized award akin to a Nobel Prize.
Published Material About the Petitioner:
The petitioner failed to provide certified translations and sufficient documentation to show that the articles in Israeli newspapers were about her and appeared in major media.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The petitioner’s coaching accomplishments, while notable, did not demonstrate original contributions of major significance to the sport of fencing.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The petitioner’s awards, including junior world championships and national awards in Israel, were recognized, but not deemed sufficient for a one-time major achievement.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
The articles provided were not sufficiently documented to meet the criteria of being published in major media and specifically about the petitioner.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The petitioner’s achievements as a coach did not qualify as original contributions of major significance in the field of fencing.
Supporting Documentation
- Awards and Medals: Documentation of junior world championships and other national awards.
- Association Membership: Confirmation of membership in Israel’s national senior team.
- Published Articles: Articles from Israeli newspapers and fencing websites, although lacking certified translations and sufficient documentation.
- Coaching Achievements: Letters and articles detailing the petitioner’s coaching accomplishments.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was dismissed.
Reasoning: The petitioner did not respond adequately to the notice of intent to deny, and the evidence provided did not meet the necessary criteria for the classification sought.
Next Steps: The petitioner may consider seeking legal advice to understand the implications of the decision and explore other possible immigration options.
