Do I qualify for EB1-EA? Elite amateur athlete...

[eliteathlete]

Hi everyone

I'm just about to submit my EB1-EA self petition on the basis of extraordinary ability as an amateur athlete in a widely practiced (individual) sport. I'd love to hear from you guys if you feel that my qualifications match the requirements:

National Champion and 4 time Vice National Champion

Selected as a national team member and represented that nation during the World Championships. Placed in the top 10.

Selected as a national team member for another nation. Represented that nation during the World Championships (injury default).

I have strongly worded reference letters from the directors of the sports federations from both nations that I have represented.

Strongly worded reference letter from my coach (a previous elite international competitor).

I will hopefully be able to obtain a letter from a highly recognized US based coach/former athlete that will explain that they will allow me to continue my athletic training at their facility.

I have what I believe to be a well written cover letter which identifies the EB1-EA requirements and matches them up with my qualifications, kind of like follows:

Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation - Letter explains how only an extraordinary athlete can sucessfully fufull the critical role of representing a country in international athletics.

Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor - Letter explains how my national titles can be considered awards for excellence.

Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field - Letter explains that my top ten World finish is of major contribution.

Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields - Explains how only the most elite athletes are selected for membership in the national team.

Both my cover and reference letters explain how being a permanent resident would allow me access to the resources needed to be able to be one of the best in the world.

I also have a letter from the town mayor congratulating me on my success as a top athlete and the correspoding photo where the major presents me with an trophy. I don't plan to use this as any specific evidence, rather just to reinforce my case as a whole.

So guys, what do you think? I know that my case is probably unusual, but I'd love to hear if you think I stand a chance?

Thankfully, it seems that when petitioning for EA as an athlete, athletes of individual sports appear to have the advantage over athletes from team sports due to it being much easier to justify personal excellence. Also, it seems that elite amateur athletes are better received that professional athletes. What do you guys think? I really hope that I'm right

Thanks so much for any help!

 

[leroythelion]

Thankfully, it seems that when petitioning for EA as an athlete, athletes of individual sports appear to have the advantage over athletes from team sports due to it being much easier to justify personal excellence. Also, it seems that elite amateur athletes are better received that professional athletes. What do you guys think? I really hope that I'm right

Thanks so much for any help!

Legally speaking, if you meet the criteria, you should be approved.

I must say that I don't read a lot about non-scientific/professional EA cases on the usual websites. Unfortunately, I do read a lot about them in the Appeals section of the USCIS website. I would imagine that you would have a better chance if you were a coach or something. Good luck. If you are successful, please do let us know.

Brian

 

[honkman]

I think that your case sounds pretty good but one thing which I think is missing are several good reference letters from well known people who are not directly involved with you. You have reference letters from people of both countries you participated in tournaments, from trainers who are associated with you. What you clearly need are letters from people from countries you are not associated with otherwise USCIS might argue (as they often do with scientists) that excellent reference letters from people who are associated with you doesn't show anything about your extraordinary abilities since those people are biased

 

[pabcbc]

press articles and times

I am surprised not to see that in your submission you will have a few notable (first page of top newspapers or tv) press cuttings ? they work - also tables of records of times etc with yours mentioned as exceptional. I fear from reading your post that your individual sport is one practiced by few people in the world and not reported in the press, like eating snails or throwing horseshoes (although the latter should probably qualify you for the us) anyway press cuttings and official tables (with web references) work -

 

[topew]

You may find it difficult to argue international acclaim. But for EB1 EA, you can claim either national or international acclaim. Your petition should focus on the fact that you have achieved national acclaim in your field of endeavor. All your evidences should try to support this claim.