Date of Decision: February 21, 2023
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Soccer Coach
Field: Athletics
Nationality: Not specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Participation as a Judge
- The Petitioner judged the performance of soccer players as part of his employment as a soccer coach, fulfilling the criterion related to judging others’ work.
Criteria Not Met:
Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
- The Petitioner received a coaching award but did not provide sufficient evidence that the award is nationally or internationally recognized.
Published material about the individual in professional or major trade publications or other major media
- The articles provided were incomplete and did not meet the necessary requirements, such as including the author’s name and demonstrating that the media outlets are major publications.
Original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field
- Reference letters praised the Petitioner’s personal and professional qualities but did not provide specific, detailed information on original contributions of major significance in the field.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won
- The coaching award received by the Petitioner lacked evidence of national or international recognition and detailed information about its significance.
Published Materials About the Petitioner
- Articles provided did not focus on the Petitioner’s accomplishments but rather on youth soccer in the United States. They also lacked complete translations and authorship details.
Original Contributions of Major Significance
- Letters of support failed to identify specific original contributions or demonstrate their major significance in the field of athletics.
Participation as a Judge
- The Petitioner successfully demonstrated participation as a judge of others’ work in soccer.
Membership in Associations, Authorship of scholarly articles, Leading or critical role performed, Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases, Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration, Commercial successes in the Performing Arts
- The Petitioner did not assert eligibility under these criteria, and no analysis was provided.
Supporting Documentation
- Reference Letters: Praised personal and professional qualities but lacked specifics on original contributions.
- Articles: Incomplete and did not meet regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Final Determination: Appeal Dismissed
Reasoning: The Petitioner did not meet the required three regulatory criteria necessary for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability. The provided evidence was insufficient to demonstrate the necessary acclaim and recognition in the field.
Next Steps:
- Recommendations for the Petitioner may include gathering more substantial and complete evidence to support the criteria, seeking additional awards or recognitions with clear national or international significance, and ensuring all published materials meet regulatory requirements.
