Date of Decision: March 22, 2023
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
- Profession: Nail Design Artist and Manicurist
- Field: Nail Art and Manicure/Pedicure Arts
- Nationality: Russian
Summary of Decision
- Initial Decision: Denied
- Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Published Material About Her Work:
- Numerous online articles highlight her as a leading presence in the field in Russia and other countries.
- Articles reflect her involvement as a representative and judge in international nail and beauty competitions.
- Participation as a Judge:
- Acted as a judge in various international nail and beauty competitions in countries like New York, Japan, the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Russia.
- Recognized as a leading figure in the nail design and manicure industry.
- Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
- Authored five scholarly articles related to nail design and techniques in trade journals.
- The articles discuss advanced and novel nail design techniques and industry insights.
Criteria Not Met:
- No criteria were explicitly mentioned as not met in the decision.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
- Summary of findings:
- The petitioner won 14 awards at seven international nail and beauty competitions held in Russia, Italy, New York, Poland, and the Netherlands.
- Awards were given by international industry experts, recognizing her contributions and excellence in nail art.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
- Summary of findings:
- Several online articles highlight her achievements and contributions to the nail art industry.
- Recognized as a prominent figure in the industry both nationally and internationally.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
- Summary of findings:
- Introduced innovative methods and techniques in stamping, airbrushing, and nail treatment.
- Credited with creating advanced nail instruction courses and master classes.
Participation as a Judge:
- Summary of findings:
- Participated as a judge in numerous international competitions, showcasing her expertise and leadership in the field.
Membership in Associations:
- Summary of findings:
- Member of the International East European Beauty Association (IEEBA).
- Acknowledged by the president of IEEBA for her contributions as a judge, instructor, and coach in the nail art industry.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
- Summary of findings:
- Authored articles that contributed to the academic and practical knowledge in the nail design industry.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
- Summary of findings:
- Worked in a leading role as a nail design lecturer at a specialized nail design center in Russia.
- Delivered lectures, workshops, and seminars, and developed innovative educational materials.
Supporting Documentation
- List of supporting documents:
- Reference letters from prominent industry leaders.
- Documentation of awards and participation in international competitions.
- Articles authored by the petitioner.
- Membership confirmation from IEEBA.
- Evidence of judging roles and leadership positions.
Conclusion
- Final Determination: The appeal is sustained, and the petitioner is approved for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability.
- Reasoning:
- Demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim.
- Recognized as a top figure in the nail art industry through extensive documentation and awards.
- Proven contributions and leadership in the field.
Next Steps:
- The petitioner should continue to gather and maintain documentation of their achievements and contributions to support any future immigration-related matters.
