Date of Decision: January 7, 2020
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Water Polo Coach
Field: Athletics (Water Polo)
Nationality: Kazakhstani
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
None
Criteria Not Met:
Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor
The Petitioner provided identification cards showing she received titles of “Master of Sports of International Class of the Republic of Kazakhstan” in 2009 and “Master of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan” in 2010. However, she did not demonstrate that these titles are recognized as prizes or awards for excellence in the water polo field.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
The Petitioner did not demonstrate her receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field. The provided documentation did not establish the significance or criteria for the awards.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
Not applicable.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
Not applicable.
Participation as a Judge:
Not applicable.
Membership in Associations:
Not applicable.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
Not applicable.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
Not applicable.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
Not applicable.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
Not applicable.
Commercial Successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable.
Supporting Documentation
Identification cards showing titles awarded in Kazakhstan.
Order of the Minister of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan detailing the standards and requirements for sports titles and rankings.
Background information on the Republican Center for Legal Information of the Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal is dismissed.
Reasoning: The Petitioner did not satisfy the requirement of meeting at least three of the ten evidentiary criteria necessary for classification as an alien of extraordinary ability. The provided documentation did not sufficiently demonstrate nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the water polo field.
Next Steps: The Petitioner may consider gathering more robust evidence that meets the regulatory criteria or exploring other visa classifications for which she may be eligible.
