Success Stories: Internationally Recognized Salsa Dance Competitor and Instructor with Approved EB-1A Is Ready for Immigrant Visa Processing

Posted by wegreened on January 30, 2026 in Art and Athletic, EB1 Green Card

Client’s Testimonial:

“Oh wow! Thank you so much!! Can hardly believe it…!”

On March 14^th, 2017, we received another EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) approval for a Salsa Dance Competitor and Instructor (Approval Notice).

General Field: Salsa Dance

Position at the Time of Case Filing: Competitor and Instructor

Country of Origin: Slovenia

State of Residence at the Time of Filing: Outside the US

Approval Notice Date: March 14^th, 2017

Processing Time: 10 months, 1 day

Case Summary:

Exactly 10 months and 1 day after North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG) filed an EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) petition on behalf of a salsa dance competitor and instructor born in Slovenia, the USCIS approved her case. Before we decided to represent our client, we carefully reviewed her professional accomplishments to be sure that we could build and present a strong case for her. After careful consideration, we concluded that our client met at least 3 out of the 10 EB1A criteria set by the USCIS. These were:

Documentation of our client’s receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor: We determined that our client has been the recipient of various prizes throughout the course of her salsa career both in her home country and abroad.
Evidence of our client’s leading or critical role in distinguished organizations: Our client has played a leading and critical role in an internationally recognized and distinguished dance studio. From designing unique dance curriculums to creating online teaching materials, our client played an important role in the dance studio’s success.
Evidence of published material about our client in professional or major trade publications or other major media relating to her work in the field for which classification is sought: In recognition of her leading role and significant contributions to the field of salsa dancing, there have been a number of articles published in major media publications about our client’s work.

Overall, we were tasked with proving to the USCIS that our client’s efforts as a competitor and instructor address some of the United States’ most pressing issues in improving the health and physical fitness of Americans as well as increasing the nation’s competitive edge through her own abilities in international competition as well as through training a new generation of championship salsa dancers. To further fortify our client’s EB1A case, we incorporated recommendation letters volunteered by other dance professionals, one of whom stated: “[Client] has made a major contribution to the growth and development of Salsa […] and we know that she will make an impact in whatever ventures she chooses to undertake.”

We congratulate our client for securing EB1A petition approval, and we wish her the best as she undertakes the final step of the green card process from outside the US: undergoing immigrant visa processing.

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North America Immigration Law Group (Chen Immigration Law Associates) is a U.S. immigration law firm dedicated to representing corporations, research institutions, and individuals from all 50 U.S. states regarding I-140 immigration petitions. We specialize in employment-based immigration petition and have a proven record of high success rate for the categories of: EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB1-A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability), EB1-B (Outstanding Researcher/Professor) and O-1 (Alien of Extraordinary Ability).

Our Ten Thousand I-140 Approvals Provide Unprecedented Insight into the USCIS Adjudication Trend

With nearly 64,000 EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW and O-1 cases approved, we have first hand information on the manner in which the USCIS adjudicate I-140 cases. As the USCIS has constantly changed its adjudication standards for the EB-1A, EB-1B and EB-2 NIW categories, our firm's huge database of successful cases gives you unprecedented insight to USCIS adjudication trends. We carefully analyze the data for all of our cases and apply the results of our analyses toward giving our clients up-to-date advice and adapting our strategies such that we remain on par with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration law in the U.S. With us, you will always have access to important updates, strategies, and information so that you can make the most informed decisions about your case.

We Have Helped Tens of Thousands of Clients with Credentials and Backgrounds Similar to Yours

With our exceedingly large number of successful petitions, no matter what credentials you have, no matter your background and field of expertise, no matter your visa status or nationality, chances are we have helped hundreds or even thousands of clients just like you. Our clients are usually impressed with how well we understand their research and work. Our insight and understanding stems from the fact that we have handled many cases with elements similar to yours already, and this helps us devise the best strategies for each individual petition.

Vast Majority of Clients Came to Us Because of Referrals

For years, our firm has attracted new clients based solely on word of mouth, recommendations, and the positive collaboration experiences shared with them by their friends and family. We take pride in our reputation and work hard to ensure that we provide a green card application experience that our clients are happy to share with their friends and colleagues. That is how our cumulative total of approved cases grew from 600 in 2013 to nearly 64,000 in 2025.

Track Record of Success EB-1 and NIW Approvals

(2020.01 - 2024.12)

Category	Approval or Refund^®		Approval or Refiling^TM
Category	Approved Sum	Success Rate	Approved Sum	Success Rate
NIW	28,946	99.52%	3,030	98.31%
EB1A	4,322	91.76%	2,870	88.91%
EB1B	793	98.51%	236	90.77%
Total	34,061	98.44%	6,136	93.39%