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 11221–11230

NIWEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

Final merits determination for exceptional ability

What the decision said

Because the petitioner met only two of the six criteria (not the required three), AAO determined a final merits determination was not required. AAO nonetheless noted agreement with the director's conclusion that the record does not establish experience beyond that ordinarily encountered.

Why this is useful

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Because the petitioner met only two of the six criteria (not the required three), AAO determined a final merits determination was not required. AAO nonetheless noted agreement with the director's conclusion that the record does not establish experience beyond that ordinarily encountered.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28052
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Salary or remuneration demonstrating exceptional ability (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(D))

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner did not contest this finding on appeal, so AAO affirmed the Director's conclusion that Polish salary statistics were irrelevant and U.S. salary comparisons and corroborating tax documents were absent.

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The petitioner did not contest this finding on appeal, so AAO affirmed the Director's conclusion that Polish salary statistics were irrelevant and U.S. salary comparisons and corroborating tax documents were absent.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28049
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Membership in professional associations (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(E))

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO agreed that the petitioner's membership in the National Association of Realtors and a local Realtors association is relevant and satisfies this criterion.

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AAO agreed that the petitioner's membership in the National Association of Realtors and a local Realtors association is relevant and satisfies this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28050
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

At least ten years of full-time experience in the occupation (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(B))

Why AAO was not persuaded

For the same reasons as under the advanced degree analysis, the employment evidence was inconsistent, lacked detail, and was not corroborated.

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For the same reasons as under the advanced degree analysis, the employment evidence was inconsistent, lacked detail, and was not corroborated.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28047
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Official academic record showing degree relating to area of exceptional ability (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(A))

Why AAO was not persuaded

For the same reasons as under the advanced degree analysis, AAO found the academic record evidence insufficiently credible and detailed to meet this criterion.

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For the same reasons as under the advanced degree analysis, AAO found the academic record evidence insufficiently credible and detailed to meet this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28046
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Five years of progressively responsible post-baccalaureate experience

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed with and expanded on the Director's concerns, noting additional contradictions between the initial employment letters, the new employment letters, and the petitioner's résumé (e.g., conflicting titles and dates). The letters lacked independent corroboration and were insufficiently detailed to establish the progressive nature of the work.

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AAO agreed with and expanded on the Director's concerns, noting additional contradictions between the initial employment letters, the new employment letters, and the petitioner's résumé (e.g., conflicting titles and dates). The letters lacked independent corroboration and were insufficiently detailed to establish the progressive nature of the work.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28045
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Advanced degree or foreign equivalent academic record

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the Polish academic documents lacked official character, contained spelling errors, were in English without original Polish copies, were unsigned and undated in part, and did not link the petitioner to the courses. The Swedish evidence was only a certificate of participation without confirmation of graduation. The credential evaluations offered no independent analysis and were given little weight.

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AAO found the Polish academic documents lacked official character, contained spelling errors, were in English without original Polish copies, were unsigned and undated in part, and did not link the petitioner to the courses. The Swedish evidence was only a certificate of participation without confirmation of graduation. The credential evaluations offered no independent analysis and were given little weight.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28044
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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 (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(F))

Why AAO was not persuaded

Petitioner did not contest this criterion on appeal. On de novo review, AAO found the letters described good character, skill, and internal accomplishments but did not demonstrate impact on the field or industry as a whole. The claim of international renown appeared to reflect only work in multiple countries rather than a world-renowned reputation.

Why this is useful

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Petitioner did not contest this criterion on appeal. On de novo review, AAO found the letters described good character, skill, and internal accomplishments but did not demonstrate impact on the field or industry as a whole. The claim of international renown appeared to reflect only work in multiple countries rather than a world-renowned reputation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_04_B5203; source_row=28051
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance

What the decision said

AAO noted that the Petitioner did not pursue this criterion on motion and considered the claim waived, citing Matter of M-A-S- and related authority.

Why this is useful

Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.

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AAO noted that the Petitioner did not pursue this criterion on motion and considered the claim waived, citing Matter of M-A-S- and related authority.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_01_B2203; source_row=28026
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Civil / Structural EngineeringPhD20 papers

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO concludes the proposed endeavor has substantial merit (advancing scientific knowledge on food-waste treatment and water pollution) and national importance based on potential prospective impact, including collaboration with USDA's Agricultural Research Service and application to Clean Water Act goals.

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 concludes the proposed endeavor has substantial merit (advancing scientific knowledge on food-waste treatment and water pollution) and national importance based on potential prospective impact, including collaboration with USDA's Agricultural Research Service and application to Clean Water Act goals.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-07-08_02_B5203; source_row=28038
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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