Date of Decision: June 18, 2024
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB-1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Soccer Player
Field: Professional Athletics (Soccer)
Nationality: Not specified in the document
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Dismissed
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Lesser Nationally or Internationally Recognized Awards: Evidence demonstrated recognition for achievements in professional soccer, including awards from 2011 to 2016.
- Membership in Associations: Documentation supported membership in organizations requiring professional achievements.
- Published Material About the Petitioner: Media coverage of the petitioner’s achievements was submitted and reviewed.
- Performance in a Leading or Critical Role: Evidence demonstrated the petitioner’s role in teams with distinguished reputations.
Final Merits Determination:
The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) concluded that the petitioner’s recognition was primarily limited to specific periods and lacked evidence of sustained acclaim across their career.
Key Points from the Decision
Lack of Sustained Acclaim:
The petitioner’s evidence focused on achievements between 2011 and 2016. The AAO determined that these accomplishments, while notable, did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim beyond this timeframe.
Media Coverage:
Media coverage of the petitioner’s accomplishments was limited in scope and duration, with no evidence of continuous recognition at the very top of the field.
Awards and Memberships:
The awards and memberships submitted did not meet the threshold for sustained recognition at the top of the petitioner’s field of endeavor.
Letters of Support:
Several letters of recommendation praised the petitioner’s skills but lacked sufficient detail to substantiate sustained national or international acclaim.
Supporting Documentation
Awards Evidence: Recognized awards were documented but lacked significance beyond a specific timeframe.
Membership Documentation: Memberships in professional organizations were provided but did not demonstrate exceptional requirements for entry.
Media Articles: Media coverage was included but failed to establish sustained acclaim.
Expert Letters: Letters praised achievements but did not substantiate long-term recognition in the field.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was dismissed.
Reasoning:
The petitioner demonstrated achievements that met several criteria but failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim or recognition as one of the small percentage at the very top of their field.
