Date of Decision: February 27, 2015
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Table Tennis Player and Coach
Field: Athletics
Nationality: Not Specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Dismissed
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
Published material about the petitioner in major media: The petitioner was mentioned in a caption in the China Schools section of a major publication, indicating some media recognition.
Criteria Not Met:
Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence: The petitioner failed to show that awards from local competitions were nationally or internationally recognized.
Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media: Although mentioned in some publications, the petitioner did not demonstrate the significant impact or recognition required by the criterion.
Evidence of original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance: The petitioner did not provide sufficient evidence to show major contributions to the field of table tennis.
Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation: The petitioner did not contest this criterion and failed to provide evidence.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The petitioner provided certificates from local table tennis competitions. However, these awards were not shown to be nationally or internationally recognized, diminishing their impact.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
Mentions in local media and specific articles were provided, but these did not constitute significant published material about the petitioner in major media, reducing their relevance.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
Letters from peers and athletes praised the petitioner’s skills and impact on individual players, but there was no evidence of contributions that significantly advanced the field of table tennis as a whole.
Participation as a Judge:
No evidence provided.
Membership in Associations:
No evidence provided.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
No evidence provided.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
No evidence provided.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
No evidence provided.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
No evidence provided.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
No evidence provided.
Supporting Documentation
- Local Competition Certificates:
- Third place in a competition held in Texas.
- Other certificates from local tournaments.
- Articles:
- Mention in China Schools section of a major publication.
- Various local media articles mentioning the petitioner’s students’ achievements.
- Reference Letters:
- Letters from peers and athletes highlighting the petitioner’s coaching skills and impact on individual players.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The petitioner’s appeal was dismissed.
Reasoning: The petitioner did not meet the regulatory requirements of demonstrating extraordinary ability in at least three criteria. The evidence provided did not sufficiently show sustained national or international acclaim or significant contributions to the field of table tennis.
Next Steps: The petitioner may consider filing a motion to reopen or reconsider with new evidence or arguments. Additionally, ensuring a clear alignment between the petitioner’s evidence and the criteria for extraordinary ability will be crucial in any future filings.
Download the Full Petition Review Here
