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 14711480

NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer requirement

What the decision said

AAO did not reach prong three, as the petition failed on the national importance element of prong one.

Why this is useful

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

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AAO did not reach prong three, as the petition failed on the national importance element of prong one.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_01_B5203; source_row=42988
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

What the decision said

AAO did not reach prong two, as the petition failed on the national importance element of prong one.

Why this is useful

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AAO did not reach prong two, as the petition failed on the national importance element of prong one.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_01_B5203; source_row=42987
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 adopted and affirmed the Director's determination in the initial appeal dismissal, and on successive motions found the Petitioner offered only vague assertions and repetition of prior arguments without demonstrating legal or policy error.

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 adopted and affirmed the Director's determination in the initial appeal dismissal, and on successive motions found the Petitioner offered only vague assertions and repetition of prior arguments without demonstrating legal or policy error.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_01_B5203; source_row=42986
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO found the high salary criterion met based on the Petitioner's 2021 income tax form and compensation data showing significantly high remuneration relative to others in the architecture and urban planning field.

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AAO found the high salary criterion met based on the Petitioner's 2021 income tax form and compensation data showing significantly high remuneration relative to others in the architecture and urban planning field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_02_B2203; source_row=42991
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · JudgingEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Judging

judging

Why the evidence was persuasive

Both the Director and AAO found the judging criterion satisfied; the decision does not elaborate on this criterion.

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Both the Director and AAO found the judging criterion satisfied; the decision does not elaborate on this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_02_B2203; source_row=42989
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Commercial successReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Commercial success

commercial success

What the decision said

AAO did not reach this criterion (raised as comparable evidence under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(4)) because the Petitioner had already overcome the basis for denial by satisfying three criteria.

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AAO did not reach this criterion (raised as comparable evidence under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(4)) because the Petitioner had already overcome the basis for denial by satisfying three criteria.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_02_B2203; source_row=42995
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Scholarly authorshipEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Scholarly authorship

scholarly articles

Why the evidence was persuasive

Both the Director and AAO found the scholarly articles criterion satisfied; the decision does not elaborate on this criterion.

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Both the Director and AAO found the scholarly articles criterion satisfied; the decision does not elaborate on this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-05_02_B2203; source_row=42990
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Social Sciences

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

membership in professional associations

Why AAO was not persuaded

The record lacked sufficient documentation to establish that GSCDM is a professional association, and no membership card, number, or fee payment was shown. The APA confirmation letter is dated after the petition filing date and does not establish membership at time of filing.

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The record lacked sufficient documentation to establish that GSCDM is a professional association, and no membership card, number, or fee payment was shown. The APA confirmation letter is dated after the petition filing date and does not establish membership at time of filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-04_01_B5203; source_row=42973
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Social Sciences

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

ten years of full-time experience

Why AAO was not persuaded

The letters of record show work as an independent contractor delivery provider and guest services host, unrelated to the occupation being sought. The new employer letter submitted on appeal post-dates the petition filing date and cannot be considered; even if considered, it does not establish ten years of full-time experience.

Why this is useful

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The letters of record show work as an independent contractor delivery provider and guest services host, unrelated to the occupation being sought. The new employer letter submitted on appeal post-dates the petition filing date and cannot be considered; even if considered, it does not establish ten years of full-time experience.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-04_01_B5203; source_row=42970
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Social Sciences

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

commanding salary demonstrating exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner did not assert and the record does not include evidence that he meets this criterion.

Why this is useful

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The Petitioner did not assert and the record does not include evidence that he meets this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-02-04_01_B5203; source_row=42972
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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