Source-backed decision research

Explore how AAO evaluates evidence.

Search a substantial collection of case-specific reasoning, then narrow it by petition, field, legal issue, or date.

This expanded collection favors source-backed access over perfect automated classification. Fields, labels, summaries, and relevance may contain errors; records marked ‘broader context’ need extra care. Review the cited source before relying on any record. These appeals and motions do not show approval odds or denial rates, and are not legal advice or a prediction.

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10,847 decisions / 36,849 findings

Showing 10831–10840

NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the advisory opinion contained conclusory assertions without specific examples, did not show contributions to the field beyond the Petitioner's employers, and was of little probative value. Recommendation letters described achievements that did not appear to have impacted the business administration field as a whole. Training certificates and volunteer work were unexplained as contributions to the industry.

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AAO found the advisory opinion contained conclusory assertions without specific examples, did not show contributions to the field beyond the Petitioner's employers, and was of little probative value. Recommendation letters described achievements that did not appear to have impacted the business administration field as a whole. Training certificates and volunteer work were unexplained as contributions to the industry.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-13_05_B5203; source_row=28578
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience through self-employment

Why AAO was not persuaded

The record contained unresolved inconsistencies about the clinic's physical location across multiple documents, the tax certificates did not link the Petitioner's income to the clinic, personal asset documents did not demonstrate the requisite experience, and the reference letters lacked sufficient detail about his self-employment and contained credibility-undermining inconsistencies.

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The record contained unresolved inconsistencies about the clinic's physical location across multiple documents, the tax certificates did not link the Petitioner's income to the clinic, personal asset documents did not demonstrate the requisite experience, and the reference letters lacked sufficient detail about his self-employment and contained credibility-undermining inconsistencies.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-13_02_B5203; source_row=28562
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to waive job offer and labor certification

What the decision said

Neither the Director nor AAO addressed the third prong, as the analysis was disposed of at prongs one and two.

Why this is useful

See which endeavor-specific facts mattered to the waiver analysis beyond a preference to self-petition.

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Neither the Director nor AAO addressed the third prong, as the analysis was disposed of at prongs one and two.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-13_03_B5203; source_row=28568
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that the opinion letters conflated the Petitioner's knowledge and skills (relevant to prong 2) with national importance of the specific endeavor (prong 1), and contained only conclusory or vague statements. The record did not show that the proposed endeavor would impact the supply chain logistics field or U.S. economy more broadly beyond the Petitioner's employer and clients.…

Why this is useful

Compare how the decision separates a broadly important field from the prospective impact of the applicant’s specific work.

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AAO found that the opinion letters conflated the Petitioner's knowledge and skills (relevant to prong 2) with national importance of the specific endeavor (prong 1), and contained only conclusory or vague statements. The record did not show that the proposed endeavor would impact the supply chain logistics field or U.S. economy more broadly beyond the Petitioner's employer and clients. New evidence submitted on appeal was rejected because the Petitioner had prior notice of the deficiency and opportunity to respond.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=28546
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Commercial successNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Commercial success

Commercial success in the performing arts (criterion x)

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner failed to establish this criterion both directly and as comparable evidence. Stream/view counts were vague and lacked evidence showing they represent commercial success; DVD sales figures were insufficient without industry benchmarks; subscription revenue was too limited to establish commercial success.

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The Petitioner failed to establish this criterion both directly and as comparable evidence. Stream/view counts were vague and lacked evidence showing they represent commercial success; DVD sales figures were insufficient without industry benchmarks; subscription revenue was too limited to establish commercial success.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-09_04_B2203; source_row=28544
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

Display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases (criterion vii)

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO disagreed with the Director's narrow reading of the criterion (withdrawing that aspect of the decision) but still found the criterion unmet because the Petitioner failed to establish that her displays were artistic in nature, and the conventions were focused on industry promotion rather than art.

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AAO disagreed with the Director's narrow reading of the criterion (withdrawing that aspect of the decision) but still found the criterion unmet because the Petitioner failed to establish that her displays were artistic in nature, and the conventions were focused on industry promotion rather than art.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-09_04_B2203; source_row=28542
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

Leading or critical role for distinguished organizations or establishments (criterion viii)

Why AAO was not persuaded

New evidence on appeal was excluded because the Petitioner had declined to submit it at the RFE stage. While the Petitioner established a leading/critical role for one company she co-founded, she failed to demonstrate that company had a distinguished reputation. Other roles lacked sufficient detail to show they were leading or critical.

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New evidence on appeal was excluded because the Petitioner had declined to submit it at the RFE stage. While the Petitioner established a leading/critical role for one company she co-founded, she failed to demonstrate that company had a distinguished reputation. Other roles lacked sufficient detail to show they were leading or critical.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-09_04_B2203; source_row=28543
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary in relation to others in the field

What the decision said

Director found this criterion not met; AAO does not resolve it but remands for a new decision.

Why this is useful

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Director found this criterion not met; AAO does not resolve it but remands for a new decision.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-09_03_B2203; source_row=28535
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role with distinguished organizations

What the decision said

Director found this criterion not met; AAO does not resolve it but remands for a proper totality analysis.

Why this is useful

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Director found this criterion not met; AAO does not resolve it but remands for a proper totality analysis.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-09_03_B2203; source_row=28534
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination — sustained national or international acclaim

What the decision said

AAO identifies two errors: failure to consider the totality of the evidence and application of an incorrect standard requiring awards and media coverage to show 'influence' in the field. AAO remands for a new decision with a proper totality analysis.

Why this is useful

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AAO identifies two errors: failure to consider the totality of the evidence and application of an incorrect standard requiring awards and media coverage to show 'influence' in the field. AAO remands for a new decision with a proper totality analysis.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-09-09_03_B2203; source_row=28536
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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