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.
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Business / Management
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Leading / critical role
leading or critical role for organizations with distinguished reputation
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO disagreed with the Director in part: while the Florida non-profit lacked a distinguished reputation, the Petitioner submitted sufficient evidence of the distinguished reputation of the other organization, and reference letters established that his senior roles were critical to the organization's activities in several targeted regions.
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AAO disagreed with the Director in part: while the Florida non-profit lacked a distinguished reputation, the Petitioner submitted sufficient evidence of the distinguished reputation of the other organization, and reference letters established that his senior roles were critical to the organization's activities in several targeted regions.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-26_09_B2203; source_row=27264 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Business / Management
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Original contributions
original contributions of major significance
Why AAO was not persuaded
The reference letters discuss the impact on individuals who received humanitarian assistance, not on the broader field. Counsel's unsupported assertion that the Petitioner established rules and procedures adopted by others was not corroborated by independent evidence, and assertions of counsel do not constitute evidence.
Why this is useful
Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.
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The reference letters discuss the impact on individuals who received humanitarian assistance, not on the broader field. Counsel's unsupported assertion that the Petitioner established rules and procedures adopted by others was not corroborated by independent evidence, and assertions of counsel do not constitute evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-26_09_B2203; source_row=27263 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
OtherPhysician
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
final merits determination
What the decision said
AAO reserved the formal final merits determination because the Petitioner did not meet the threshold requirement of three qualifying criteria. In dicta, AAO noted the record fails to show sustained acclaim as a journalist.
Why this is useful
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AAO reserved the formal final merits determination because the Petitioner did not meet the threshold requirement of three qualifying criteria. In dicta, AAO noted the record fails to show sustained acclaim as a journalist.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-26_02_B2203; source_row=27226 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
final merits determination
What the decision said
AAO stated no formal final merits determination was needed because the Petitioner failed to meet at least three criteria at step 1, but noted in dicta that the record does not support the required sustained acclaim.
Why this is useful
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AAO stated no formal final merits determination was needed because the Petitioner failed to meet at least three criteria at step 1, but noted in dicta that the record does not support the required sustained acclaim.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-26_11_B2203; source_row=27278 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Medicine / Clinical
Issue evaluated
NIW · National importance
substantial merit and national importance
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found that the proposed physical therapy business did not demonstrate national importance under Dhanasar. The shortage of physical therapists does not render the endeavor nationally important; that is addressed by the labor certification process.…
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 proposed physical therapy business did not demonstrate national importance under Dhanasar. The shortage of physical therapists does not render the endeavor nationally important; that is addressed by the labor certification process. The business plan's projected employment and tax figures did not rise to the level of substantial positive economic effects, and the endeavor was not shown to have broader implications beyond its local clients and employees.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-25_02_B5203; source_row=27206 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
high salary or remuneration demonstrating exceptional ability
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found that the salary evidence reflects the organization's standardized pay scale tied to grade and time-in-service, not the Petitioner's individual exceptional ability. Comparison to U.S. household income generally is an improper benchmark; the comparison must be to others working in the field.
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AAO found that the salary evidence reflects the organization's standardized pay scale tied to grade and time-in-service, not the Petitioner's individual exceptional ability. Comparison to U.S. household income generally is an improper benchmark; the comparison must be to others working in the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-25_03_B5203; source_row=27209 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO found the credential evaluation did not establish educational qualifications alone under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(i)(A), and the employer letter failed to demonstrate that the Petitioner's experience was progressive as required under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(i)(B). Therefore the Petitioner had not established eligibility as an advanced degree professional.
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AAO found the credential evaluation did not establish educational qualifications alone under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(i)(A), and the employer letter failed to demonstrate that the Petitioner's experience was progressive as required under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(i)(B). Therefore the Petitioner had not established eligibility as an advanced degree professional.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2021-03-25_01_B5203; source_row=27202 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c