Our client was ranked 23rd in the world in the field of professional saddle-bronc riding. Our client qualified for the O-1 visa category, having been recognized on the national and international stage through many major print and media outlets, substantial prize money earnings, professional accomplishments/championships, as well as having been a member of professional organizations. Our client has been competing in professional rodeos since 2006 and has been ranked as one of the top Saddle-Bronc riders in the world for many years, having won multiple major championships. On September 12, 2011, Attorney Noaman filed his application for O-1 status as an alien of extraordinary ability in the athletics pursuant to INA §101(a)(15)(O)(I), based on the wealth of documentation that had been written about our client, the prize money he has earned, and the many championships he has won. Attorney Noaman argued that our client’s talents will benefit the U.S. prospectively because his gifted athletic ability will naturally raise the level of competition in his sport. Furthermore, his participation will also undoubtedly draw greater spectators and crowds to the professional competitions he competes in thereby benefiting the U.S. economy. Although USCIS recently changed their guidelines for approving O-1 application, making it increasingly difficult for professional athletes and performers to come to the United States in O-1 status, Attorney Noaman earned an approval on our client’s case. As a result, our client could continue competing professional in the U.S. for the next 3 years.
