Date of Decision: February 25, 2025
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
Field of Expertise: Athletics – Soccer Coaching
Petitioner Information
Profession: Soccer Coach
Field: Athletics – Soccer Coaching and Player Development
Nationality: Not Specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied – Petitioner did not establish receipt of a one-time award or meet at least three of the ten evidentiary criteria.
Appeal Outcome: Dismissed – AAO upheld the Director’s denial.
Subsequent Motions: One motion to reconsider previously dismissed.
Current Motion Outcome: Motion to reconsider dismissed.
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- None.
Criteria Not Met:
- Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Awards (i): Evidence of a 2018 award lacked proof of national or international recognition; coverage was limited to a university and league trust website.
- Membership in Associations Requiring Outstanding Achievements (ii): FA Coaches’ Club membership requirements (certification, CPD, insurance, safety checks) were considered basic, not “outstanding achievements” judged by recognized experts.
- Published Material About the Petitioner (iii): Submitted articles (e.g., Napa Valley Register, NPSL.com, Daily Echo, EFL Trust.com) lacked circulation, readership, or professional audience data necessary to qualify as professional or major trade publications, or major media.
- Comparable Evidence: Petitioner argued player development contributions should count as comparable evidence, but USCIS found that petitioner did not establish why regulatory criteria were inapplicable, nor specifically identify comparable evidence as required.
Key Points from the Decision
- Award recognition did not extend beyond local or organizational level; name alone did not establish national prominence.
- FA Coaches’ Club requirements did not rise to the level of outstanding achievements or evaluation by national/international experts.
- Articles lacked proof of circulation or intended professional audience; assertions without evidence carried no probative weight.
- USCIS reaffirmed that comparable evidence must be clearly identified and justified by petitioner, not inferred by adjudicators.
- Because fewer than three criteria were satisfied, USCIS reserved final merits determination and denied the petition.
Supporting Documentation
- Letters of Intent: Not sufficient to establish major awards or critical roles.
- Business Plan: Not applicable.
- Advisory Letter: None newly provided.
- Other Supporting Documentation: Articles, coaching references, and award mentions reviewed but found insufficient.
Conclusion
Final Determination: Motion to reconsider dismissed.
Reasoning: Petitioner failed to establish at least three evidentiary criteria, and did not demonstrate extraordinary ability, sustained acclaim, or standing among the very top of the field of soccer coaching.
