Date of Decision: July 24, 2015
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Master Craftsman and Woodworker
Field: Hardwood Flooring
Nationality: Not Specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence:
The petitioner provided evidence of several awards, including a “Best of Year Product Award” from Interior Design magazine in the “Hard Flooring” category and recognition in the Architectural Digest magazine. The awards were attributed to the beneficiary’s designs and craftsmanship.
Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications:
Articles in major trade publications, such as Architectural Digest and Interior Design, highlighted the beneficiary’s innovative flooring designs and craftsmanship, establishing recognition in his field.
Leading or critical role for organizations or establishments with distinguished reputation:
The beneficiary played a critical role as the master craftsman and product development director at a renowned hardwood flooring company. His unique techniques and designs were pivotal in the company’s success and reputation.
Criteria Not Met:
The evidence provided was sufficient to meet the required three criteria for extraordinary ability, thus no additional criteria were evaluated as unmet.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Interior Design magazine’s “Best of Year Product Award” and recognition in the Architectural Digest magazine were significant indicators of the beneficiary’s excellence in hardwood flooring design and craftsmanship.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
Numerous articles in major trade publications documented the beneficiary’s contributions to the field, specifically highlighting his innovative techniques and successful products.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The beneficiary’s development of unique flooring styles and techniques, which have received national awards and recognition, were considered original contributions of major significance to the field of hardwood flooring.
Participation as a Judge:
Not applicable.
Membership in Associations:
Not applicable.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
Not applicable.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
The beneficiary’s role as the master craftsman and product development director was crucial to the company’s distinguished reputation and success in the hardwood flooring industry.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
Not applicable.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
Not applicable.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable.
Supporting Documentation
- Magazine Articles: Articles from Interior Design, Architectural Digest, and other trade publications documenting the beneficiary’s work and awards.
- Letters of Support: Statements from the company’s owner and president attesting to the beneficiary’s unique skills and contributions.
- Award Certificates: Documentation of the awards received by the beneficiary’s designs and products.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was sustained, and the petition was approved.
Reasoning: The beneficiary demonstrated a level of expertise indicating he is among the top in his field, with sustained national and international acclaim. His achievements were recognized in the field of hardwood flooring, fulfilling the requirements for the EB-1 classification.
Next Steps: The beneficiary should proceed with the steps required for the finalization of the immigration process as an alien of extraordinary ability.
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