Date of Decision: August 3, 2018
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Landscape Architect
Field: Business
Nationality: Not specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Participation as a Judge of the Work of Others:
The Petitioner participated as a jury member for an architecture competition in Norway and as an external critic for The Netherlands. This involvement demonstrated her recognized expertise in evaluating the work of others in her field.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Petitioner’s designs and contributions to landscape architecture were included in notable publications. Her works were featured in a database for architectural images and a book recognized by learned individuals in the field.
Display of Work at Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
The Petitioner exhibited her work at various prestigious venues, including in London and Switzerland. These exhibitions highlighted her recognition in the field of landscape architecture.
Criteria Not Met:
Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards for Excellence:
The Petitioner provided evidence of receiving awards in international landscape design competitions. However, the initial documentation did not fully establish the national or international significance of these awards. Additional evidence on appeal clarified the scope and recognition of these awards, establishing their significance.
Membership in Associations:
The Petitioner’s memberships in several architectural organizations were initially deemed insufficient for sustained acclaim. On appeal, evidence demonstrated that these memberships were honorary and involved significant contributions to the field, thereby meeting this criterion.
Published Material About the Petitioner:
The Petitioner provided several articles published in professional and major media publications. The articles discussed her achievements and contributions to the field of landscape architecture, further supporting her recognition.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Petitioner received several awards in international landscape design competitions, including first and second place awards. These awards were judged by renowned international experts and received international press coverage.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
The Petitioner provided articles in professional publications and major media, such as a Swiss journal and an Italian architectural magazine. These publications highlighted her contributions and achievements in the field of landscape architecture.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Petitioner’s contributions to landscape architecture were recognized through awards, publications, and exhibitions. Her work influenced urban planning and architectural design, as evidenced by the international recognition and press coverage.
Participation as a Judge:
The Petitioner served as a jury member and external critic in several architectural competitions, demonstrating her recognized expertise in the field.
Membership in Associations:
The Petitioner held honorary positions on the boards of architectural organizations, contributing to significant projects and initiatives in the field.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Petitioner’s scholarly articles and contributions to professional publications established her expertise and recognition in landscape architecture.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The Petitioner played leading roles in organizing architectural competitions and debates, contributing significantly to the field’s development.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
The Petitioner’s work was exhibited in prestigious cultural venues, further establishing her recognition and acclaim in the field of landscape architecture.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
The Petitioner received significant compensation for her awards and contributions, supporting her claim of being at the top of her field.
Supporting Documentation
The documentation included letters from professionals, evidence of awards, articles in major publications, and records of exhibitions. These documents collectively established the Petitioner’s recognition and acclaim in the field of landscape architecture.
Conclusion
Final Determination: Appeal sustained.
Reasoning:
The Petitioner met the required initial evidence and demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim in the field of landscape architecture. The totality of the evidence showed that she is among the small percentage at the top of her field with significant contributions recognized through extensive documentation.
Next Steps:
The Petitioner qualifies for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability. She has demonstrated her achievements and intends to continue contributing to the field of landscape architecture, benefiting the United States prospectively.
