Date of Decision: May 25, 2021
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB-1B (Outstanding Professor or Researcher)
Petitioner Information
Profession: Associate Professor
Field: Filmmaking and Film Production
Nationality: Not Specified
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Major Prizes or Awards for Outstanding Achievement: The Beneficiary received several major awards, including the Award for Best at a notable film festival and the People’s Choice Award, which are internationally recognized in the field of filmmaking.
- Published Material Written by Others About Her Work: Articles from news outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Variety discuss the Beneficiary’s work, demonstrating widespread media coverage.
- Participation as a Judge: The Beneficiary served as a jury member for prestigious film festivals, further establishing her recognition in the field.
Criteria Not Met:
- [No other criteria were listed as not met in the decision.]
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won: The Beneficiary received numerous significant awards, including the Best Award at a major festival and the People’s Choice Award, supported by media coverage, indicating the international recognition of these achievements.
Published Materials About the Petitioner: The Beneficiary’s work has been the subject of extensive media coverage by major outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Variety, further solidifying her reputation.
Original Contributions of Major Significance: The Beneficiary’s work in filmmaking has been recognized as groundbreaking, particularly for its innovative approach to exploring cultural identity through a feminist perspective, as noted by experts in the field.
Participation as a Judge: The Beneficiary’s role as a jury member at several international film festivals supports the claim of her being internationally recognized as outstanding in her field.
Supporting Documentation
- Awards Certificates: Certificates and media coverage of the awards received by the Beneficiary.
- Published Articles: Articles from CNN, BBC, Variety, and other publications discussing the Beneficiary’s work.
- Reference Letters: Letters from experts highlighting the Beneficiary’s contributions to the field and the impact of her work.
- Judging Invitations: Documentation of the Beneficiary’s participation as a judge in international film festivals.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal was sustained, and the petition was approved.
Reasoning: The evidence provided demonstrates that the Beneficiary has received international recognition as an outstanding professor and researcher in filmmaking, fulfilling the criteria required for EB-1B classification.
Next Steps: The Petitioner may proceed with the next steps in the immigration process, given the successful appeal.