Date of Decision: April 18, 2024
Service Center: Texas Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Field of Expertise: Sports (Soccer Coaching)
Petitioner Information
Profession: Soccer Administration Manager and Coach
Field: Sports Management and Soccer Coaching
Nationality: Brazilian
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Denied
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met:
- Evidence of membership in professional associations: Member of the International Coaches Association (ICA)
- Evidence of recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field by peers, governmental entities, or professional or business organizations: Recognized as a professional soccer player with accolades in Brazil.
Criteria Not Met:
- Official academic record: High school transcript does not demonstrate relevance to soccer coaching.
- Evidence of full-time experience: Experience as a soccer player does not translate directly to experience in coaching.
- License to practice the profession: Provided certificates not considered as formal licensing for a soccer coach.
- Commanded salary that demonstrates exceptional ability: Financial documentation does not specifically correlate to coaching skills.
- Recognition for achievements specifically in soccer coaching: Provided documentation pertains more to playing career than coaching.
Key Points from the Decision
Proposed Endeavor:
The petitioner proposed establishing a soccer development business and working as its head coach, aiming to develop soccer skills in the U.S. through various training programs.
Substantial Merit and National Importance:
While the endeavor was considered to have substantial merit, the USCIS found it did not meet the national importance criteria necessary for a national interest waiver.
Supporting Evidence
Letters of Intent:
Not applicable as no specific letters of intent pertaining to the proposed coaching endeavor were provided.
Business Plan:
Outlined potential community and economic benefits through soccer development programs but lacked substantial evidence to support claims of national importance.
Advisory Letter:
General support from professional associations but no specific endorsements for the national impact of the proposed business.
Conclusion
The appeal was denied. The petitioner did not sufficiently demonstrate that the proposed endeavor met the criteria for national importance or that he was well-positioned to advance this endeavor effectively.
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