Figure Skater Gets An Approval for her P-1 Status And P-1S Status For Her Mother
It is our pleasure to report another successful P-1 and P-1S petition for world-class figure skater Courtney Kuhn and her mother Karin Kuhn. World Arena Skating Academy served as the petitioner for Courtney's P-1 Visa and Karin's P-1S Visa.
In the petition filed by World Arena Skating Academy, Sherrod Seward demonstrated international recognition to USCIS for the figure skater's eligibility for the P-1 Visa and her mother's essential support services for the P-1S Visa. The P-1S visa permits her mother to accompany her for the length of her P-1 visa which is more robust compared to the B1/B2 visa she was using previously to come to the United States.
The Beneficiaries
Courtney Kahn is a world-class figure skater who has acquired enormous regional and international commendations through tournaments and exhibitions. On the other hand, Karin is essential to support staff for Courtney. Karin is a skilled yogi and also provides logistical support for Courtney’s figure skating career.
The Petitioner
World Arena Skating Academy petitioned Courtney's Visa. As a requirement by the USCIS, the petitioner must be in the United States and wishes to engage the athlete for training or management purposes.
The Figure Skating P-1 Petition
The petition for figure skater Courtney Kuhn demonstrated that the athlete was renowned internationally and is lined up for several international competitions. Karin Kuhn's petition was joined at the hip with Courtney's petition. In her case, we were able to prove that she is a qualified sports support staff through her experience as a yogi.
How we demonstrated Courtney's Eligibility for P-1 status extension
We started by submitting evidence on the itinerary of events that require athletes of international repute prestigious enough to be used for Olympic Qualification. We argued that the athlete was already competing at the top levels of figure skating competition.
Our case also highlighted the fact that Courtney would only participate in tournaments with other figure skating athletes with her skill level and world ranking. She would have to compete with other international athletes at her level. To improve her world ranking, she will need to compete against other highly-ranked athletes.
We provided a list of events requiring the participation of internationally recognized athletes and supporting evidence.
World-Class Competitions
Aspen Invitational – this is an internationally registered event that reports to the official world ranking system of skating. Athletes participate in this event to improve their world ranking.
Sante Fe Skate Fest – This competition gathers top qualifiers in local competitions from around the world. The athletes compete against each other to find out who can move to National and International Championships.
Broadmoor Open – Broadmoor Open is one of the most prestigious on the west coast. It offers athletes the last opportunity for NCAA athletes to qualify for National Championships.
Vail Intigational – a world-class USA National Training Center, hosts this tournament. It is also among the most prestigious open meets. This competition gives American World Champion hopefuls the chance to compare their skills to that of other athletes from around the world.
ISU Sanctioned Qualifying Events – These events add to rankings working toward Olympic Qualifying and World Championships.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we could not provide the registration dates for the upcoming events as they were not yet ready.
According to the USCA regulation, we also provided evidence that requires an athlete to be a participant in an internationally recognized level of performance. We supplied evidence on a series of events that require the participation of athletes with international recognition.
We argued that the athlete was in the country to perform regular exhibitions and internationally broadcasted, world-class level events. We also stated that the athlete is ranked highly internationally. Local athletes need to compete with those bearing her skill set and global ranking to gain international level experience in exhibition matches.
As for qualifying events, we let the USCA know that there was an agreement between the petitioner and beneficiary, including a group of related activities. The activities are sanctioned competitions, world-class exhibitions, and promotional appearances for events, media appearances, publicity activations, and recovery from these activities.
We also provided proof that the petitioner's facility hosts international exhibitions three times a week. To demonstrate the kind of athletes who participate in the facility's events, we provided a list of those who qualified for the Olympics.
Expert Opinion
In the petition, we presented expert letters from industry experts. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the following individuals that offered opinion letters for the athlete:
Vianca Swart - Chairman - Cindy's Comprsa cool cats - confirms number on ranked ladies champion. Confirms prestige of the World Arena Skating Academy.
Stephanie Kuban - World Class International Figure Skater.
Tom Zakrajsek - Olympic Figure Skating Coach, 10-time World Coach, Coach of National Champions.
Christopher Dean - Pairs Figure Skater - Olympic Champion from Great Britain.
Karin Kuhn's P-1S Petition
In her petition, we were able to demonstrate where she will obtain her compensation from the P-1 revenue. We also provided evidence on the World Class Competitions the athlete she supports will participate in.
The petition also included evidence that Karin is a highly skilled person who plays a significant role in P nonimmigrant's performance. The evidence provided demonstrated that Karin has the attributes below:
Speaks the language of the beneficiary, English and Afrikaans.
Prior experience training the athlete's body for flexibility, injury recovery, and strength.
Prior experience protecting the safety of the athlete.
Prior experience navigating strategy for the athlete on the ice and in business strategy.
Skill as a trainer in yogi skills and nutrition. Statement why this cannot be performed by an American trainer not familiar with the skater.
Manages the career of the skater.
The evidence also confirmed her background in Yogi and her certifications in Physical Training. We also provided the previous relevant experience to support her qualification. We also provided evidence on the contractual agreements between the athlete and Karin.