Date of Decision: AUG. 13, 2019
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Psychologist
Field: Sciences
Nationality: Russia
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Judging the work of others in the field: The petitioner served as a peer reviewer for manuscripts in a journal.
- Scholarly Articles: Authored scholarly articles in professional publications.
Criteria Not Met:
- Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards: Did not demonstrate that the medals received were recognized for excellence in psychology.
- Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements: Membership requirements did not rise to the level of “outstanding achievements” as judged by recognized national or international experts.
- Original contributions of major significance in the field: The evidence did not show that the petitioner’s work significantly impacted or influenced the psychology field. The citation numbers were not indicative of major significance.
- Leading or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation: The evidence did not establish that the petitioner held a leading or critical position, nor was it demonstrated that the organization enjoys a distinguished reputation.
Key Points from the Decision
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
- The petitioner did not demonstrate that her work in multicultural dialogue or child suicide prevention programs had a major influence on the psychology field.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
- The petitioner’s role as a program director did not demonstrate a critical or leading impact within her organization as required.
Supporting Documentation
- Peer-reviewed manuscript reviews.
- Scholarly articles.
- Letters from colleagues and program coordinators.
- Evidence of awarded medals.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The petitioner has not demonstrated eligibility as an individual of extraordinary ability due to failure to meet sufficient evidentiary criteria. The appeal is therefore dismissed.
Reasoning:
The overall evidence failed to substantiate claims of major significance or critical roles within the petitioner’s field, as required for this visa category.
Next Steps:
It is recommended the petitioner gathers more substantial evidence of major contributions or significant roles in recognized organizations to meet the criteria.
