Internationally recognized soccer coach receives O-1A visa
Internationally recognized soccer coach receives O-1A visa
Coaches can be approved for O-1A visas based on their athletic accomplishments in certain circumstances. However, the O-1A visa category can be difficult to obtain because they are only reserved for foreign nationals who have risen to the top of their professions.
Gustavo Zampieri is a soccer coach who had petitioned the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) for an O-1A visa with the assistance of another legal counsel. What resulted was a Request for Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS. Getting an RFE doesn’t mean a petition will be denied. It means the USCIS requires more information, often in the form of supporting evidence, before they can adjudicate the case. In Mr. Zampieri’s case, the RFE was long, they had requested evidence for all the categories listed as requirements though it’s enough to meet any 3 of the given 8 categories. Mr. Zampieri met more than the minimum requirement. However, the previous legal counsel hadn’t provided the necessary documents or explanation.
We are proud to say that our seasoned immigration lawyers were able to respond to the RFE in a timely manner, providing as many documents as possible for each of the criteria satisfied by Mr. Zampieri. Today, Mr. Zampieri is in the U.S. as an O-1A visa holder providing his services as a professional soccer coach.
The O-1A Futsal Coach Foreign National
Gustavo Zampieri is an internationally recognized soccer coach. Known throughout the soccer and futsal industry in Brazil and the United States, Mr. Zampieri is considered a specialist in developing athletes to their full potential in the sport of soccer and futsal. He developed a first of its kind technique for coaching and training goalkeepers which focuses on the individual development of the technical abilities of the player rather than the trying to adapt each individual to the style of his team.
The O-1A Employer Sponsor Futsal Academy
Mount Pleasant Futsal Academy - The Mount Pleasant Futsal Academy is a youth soccer developmental center, where the focus is on developing every player to their full potential. Applying a holistic approach to coaching, they strive to create a player centered environment. It is not about the coaches, nor the parents, but it is all about the young men and women who they have an opportunity to mold for the better, day in and day out. The Academy selects their players through tryouts, and places them into teams. The teams train year round, and participate in a local league. Teams also participate in two Futsal tournaments per year.
Mr. Zampieri’s I-129 O-1A petition was supported by ample evidence that he meets the five of the eight criteria and qualifies for the non-immigrant extraordinary ability visa.
National Certificates/Awards Won by Mr. Zampieri as a Coach and his Team
Mr. Zampieri has been the recipient of numerous national and/or international awards, certificates and honors:
● United Soccer League Western Conference Championship (2019, 2017),
● United Soccer League Southwest Division Championship (2019, 2018, 2017),
● Winner of the Far West Regional Cup U-19 Regional Championship (2019),
● Winner of the Dallas Cup Championship (2019, 2018),
● National Cup Finalist (2018),
● Winner of the Cal South National Cup State Championship (2018),
● JERP Futsal Cup U-13 and U-15 Champions (2006),
● Regional Futsal Cup U-17 Champion Award for “Best Coach” (2005).
● Sports Merit Award From The City Of Vinhedo
Due to his excellence in the field of soccer, Mr. Zampieri was chosen by the Mayor to serve in the essential capacity as Head of Sports and Leisure for the City of Vinhedo.
Press Featuring Mr. Zampieri in Major Publications or Other Media
● Vinhedo.sp.gov.br article features Mr. Zampieri being honored by the City of Jundiai for his essential role as Head of Sports and Leisure of Vinhedo, “Gustavo Zampieri is honored in the City of Jundiai”, September 10, 2010;
● Jornaltribunaonline.com.br interviews Mr. Zampieri about his work; “Tribuna de Vinhedo: Starting our Interview, can you give us a Summarized Resume of Yours”, 2010; 3
● Jornaldevinhedo.com.br article features Mr. Zampieri, “Coach and Athletes from Vinhedo win the 2019 Dallas Cup in the United States”, May 4, 2019;
● Esportejundiai.com.br article features Mr. Zampieri winning the Dallas Cup, “#Champion – Physiotherapist from Jundiai wins important base football title in the USA”, Esporte JundiaíFull, April 4, 2018;
● Coastsoccer.us features Mr. Zampieri as Coach of FC Golden State;
● Maisexpressão.com.br article features Mr. Zampieri, “Villa João XXIII wins the soccer tournament of the bronze series of Vinhedo”, Vineyard, November 25, 2013;
● Fn10.com.br article features Mr. Zampieri, “New Secretary for Sport and Leisure in VINHEDO”, Unknown author; June 1, 2016;
Original Contribution by Mr. Zampieri & Authorship of Scholarly Articles in the Field
Mr. Zampieri has authored a book titled “Analysis of the Defensive and Offensive Actions of the Soccer Goalkeeper” which discusses a first of its kind approach to coaching goalkeepers and other soccer players in the industry. This publication is included in the Universidade Federal de Vicosa’s library and used as a reference material by other students at the university. Also, Mr. Zampieri’s original coaching techniques are utilized by coaches throughout the soccer industry.
Distinguished Organizations Where Mr. Zampieri Served in an Essential and/or Critical Capacity
● Leisure Bureau Of Vinhedo (Brazil)
● Goalkeeper Academy
● Soccer Brazil
● Sant Anna International School
● United Soccer League
We were able to provide enough clear and convincing evidence outlining that Mr. Zampieri has received national or international awards; has published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about him; has made an original contribution to his field; has published an original scholarly publication; and has served in an essential and critical capacity for distinguished organizations.