dismissed EB-1A RFE Issued
Chess Trainer
Athletics · 2023-06-22
This case is from a USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) appeal decision. Appeal cases represent a subset of petitions and may not reflect typical outcomes.
Framework Evaluation
1 of 3 criteria metLeading or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation (Met)
The petitioner performed a critical role as a coach for a Women's National Team that earned a silver medal in 2022.
Memberships in associations requiring outstanding achievements (Not Met)
The petitioner's FIDE Instructor title and National Master status did not establish that membership required outstanding achievements as judged by national or international experts.
Participation as a judge of the work of others (Not Met)
Serving as a chess arbiter was deemed insufficient as it involves enforcing rules rather than evaluating or judging the quality of the work of competitors.
Original contributions of major significance (Not Met)
The evidence showed contributions to individual players and specific organizations but did not demonstrate a major impact on the broader field of chess.
Why This Petition Was Denied
The petitioner met only one criterion (leading/critical role) for coaching the Women's National Team to a silver medal. He failed the membership criterion as FIDE Instructor titles did not demonstrate 'outstanding achievements' judged by experts, and the judging criterion was withdrawn because acting as a chess arbiter was seen as enforcing rules rather than evaluating work.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
Unsuccessfully AddressedThe RFE requested evidence for memberships and judging; the petitioner did not address memberships in the response and provided insufficient detail for judging.
RFE Targets
Memberships in associations requiring outstanding achievementsParticipation as a judge of the work of others
Evidence
Evidence Types
Awards
Professional Memberships
Judging Experience
Evidence Submitted
- Critical role as coach for the Women's National Team
- FIDE Instructor title (2018)
- U.S. Chess Federation National Master title (2021)
- Participation as Chief Arbiter and Deputy Arbiter in various chess tournaments (2009, 2010, 2012)
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Frequently Asked Questions
A dismissed EB-1A petition means USCIS found the evidence insufficient to meet the eligibility criteria. Common reasons include weak documentation, failure to meet the required number of criteria, or insufficient evidence of the claimed qualifications. Petitioners can refile with stronger evidence or explore alternative visa categories.
Browse More Cases
Case data sourced from publicly available petition decisions and case studies. Decision date: 2023-06-22.
Browse all casesAt a Glance
Outcome dismissed
RFE Issued
Criteria Met 1 / 3
Evidence Types 3
EB-1A Case Data
Scraped Case Data
Total Cases 919
Success Rate 53.0%
Sustained 487
Dismissed 315
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