Opinion ID: 219818
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: I-140 Petition Procedures

Text: 2 The INA gives “[a]liens with extraordinary ability” work visa preference as “priority workers.” INA § 203(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(1)(A). An alien qualifies for this preference if: (i) the alien has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation, (ii) the alien seeks to enter the United States to continue to work in the area of extraordinary ability, and (iii) the alien’s entry into the United States will substantially benefit prospectively the United States. Id. § 203(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(1)(A). An alien wanting classification as an alien of “with extraordinary ability” files an I-140 petition with the Attorney General. INA § 204(a)(1)(E), 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(E); 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(a), (h). The I-140 petition “must be accompanied by evidence that the alien has sustained national or international acclaim and that his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise.” 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3). The regulations: (1) list the kinds of evidence that demonstrates the requisite acclaim and achievements, and (2) provide that if that evidence does “not readily apply to the beneficiary’s occupation,” comparable evidence can be submitted. 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(4). Although the alien is not required to have an offer of employment, “the petition must be accompanied by clear evidence that the alien is coming to the 3 United States to continue work in the area of expertise.” 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(5). “Such evidence may include letter(s) from prospective employer(s), evidence of prearranged commitments such as contracts, or a statement from the beneficiary detailing plans on how he or she intends to continue his or her work in the United States.” Id. After investigation, the I-140 petition is either approved or denied pursuant to INA § 204(b), 8 U.S.C. § 1154(b).1 Once an I-140 petition is granted, “the Secretary of Homeland Security may, at any time, for what he deems to be good and sufficient cause, revoke an application.” 8 U.S.C. § 1155; see also 8 C.F.R. § 205.2(a). Before revoking an approved I-140 petition, the USCIS officer must issue a notice of intent, and the alien is given an opportunity to offer evidence in support of the I-140 petition and to oppose the grounds for revocation. 8 C.F.R. § 205.2(b). After the decision to revoke the I-140 petition is made, the alien is provided written notice explaining the reasons for the decision. Id. § 205.2(c). The alien may appeal the revocation decision to the Associate Commissioner for Examinations. See id. § 203.2(d).