Date of Decision: MAR. 9, 2016
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Judo Coach
Field: Athletics (Judo)
Nationality: South Korean
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Sustained
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Documentation of Receipt of Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards: The petitioner won significant national and international judo competitions.
- Published Material About the Petitioner in Major Media: Articles in major media like Seoul Yonhap News have highlighted the petitioner’s victories, showcasing his prominence in the field.
- Membership in Associations Requiring Outstanding Achievements: The petitioner’s inclusion in the South Korean national judo team, which requires rigorous selection, underscores his high level of achievement in judo.
Criteria Not Met:
- The initial decision noted the failure to meet more than two of the regulatory criteria before the appeal, where additional evidence and arguments were presented.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
- The petitioner has secured top positions in significant international judo events, substantiated by the judo federation’s point system, which aligns with international recognition standards.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
- Coverage in Seoul Yonhap News, a recognized major media outlet, further validates the petitioner’s sustained acclaim and significant achievements in judo.
Membership in Associations:
- The petitioner’s long-standing membership in the national team and the high standards required for selection serve as a testament to his extraordinary abilities in judo.
Supporting Documentation
- Evidence included multiple articles, documented awards, and detailed letters from recognized judo practitioners and coaches.
Conclusion
Final Determination:
The appeal is sustained, affirming the petitioner’s extraordinary ability in judo both as an athlete and a coach, bridging his competitive achievements with his coaching aspirations.
Reasoning:
The totality of the evidence presented demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim and recognition in judo, satisfying the criteria for extraordinary ability under USCIS guidelines.
Next Steps:
The petitioner is recommended to continue his contributions to judo coaching in the United States, leveraging his expertise to train upcoming athletes.
