Siskind Susser PC

Federal Court Holds Athletics Accomplishments Don’t Prove Extraordinary Ability in Coaching

A federal district court judge has ruled in favor of USCIS in a case holding that winning an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics does not automatically mean a gymnastics coach qualifies in the EB-1 extraordinary ability in green card category. The judge agreed with the USCIS view that athletics and coaching are distinct fields and an applicant as a coach needs to show accomplishments in coaching. The case is not binding nationally, but will certainly be considered influential.