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 14861–14870

EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

display of the alien's work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO found this criterion met because the Beneficiary performed as an actor in plays and theatrical festivals, constituting display of her work at artistic exhibitions.

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AAO found this criterion met because the Beneficiary performed as an actor in plays and theatrical festivals, constituting display of her work at artistic exhibitions.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-26_01_B2203; source_row=23737
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination – sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that the Beneficiary's judging role lacked evidence of wide acclaim; her display of work as an actress did not demonstrate she had risen to the top of her field; her leading roles for the theater company demonstrated local/regional renown among Italian theater circles in New York but not national or international acclaim.…

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AAO found that the Beneficiary's judging role lacked evidence of wide acclaim; her display of work as an actress did not demonstrate she had risen to the top of her field; her leading roles for the theater company demonstrated local/regional renown among Italian theater circles in New York but not national or international acclaim. Letters from colleagues, while praising her skill, did not establish the required level of national or international recognition.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-26_01_B2203; source_row=23739
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO incorporated its previous determination that the petitioner had not satisfied the first Dhanasar prong, and the motion presents no new evidence.

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 incorporated its previous determination that the petitioner had not satisfied the first Dhanasar prong, and the motion presents no new evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-26_02_B5203; source_row=23750
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO previously accepted the petitioner's degrees as satisfying this criterion.

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AAO previously accepted the petitioner's degrees as satisfying this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-26_02_B5203; source_row=23748
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

Why AAO was not persuaded

The USCES evaluation lacked semester/credit information and did not identify the documents reviewed, leaving unresolved ambiguities under Matter of Ho.

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The USCES evaluation lacked semester/credit information and did not identify the documents reviewed, leaving unresolved ambiguities under Matter of Ho.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-26_02_B5203; source_row=23747
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

remaining exceptional ability criteria (B)-(F)

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO concluded the motion offered no new facts qualifying under the remaining criteria, and the post-filing evidence cannot establish eligibility at filing.

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AAO concluded the motion offered no new facts qualifying under the remaining criteria, and the post-filing evidence cannot establish eligibility at filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-26_02_B5203; source_row=23749
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1ANIW · EB-2 baselineEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

labor certification minimum requirements support advanced degree professional classification

Why the evidence was persuasive

On de novo review of the labor certification, AAO found the H.14 language did not permit qualification with less than a baccalaureate plus five years of progressive post-baccalaureate IT experience, which is equivalent to an advanced degree.

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On de novo review of the labor certification, AAO found the H.14 language did not permit qualification with less than a baccalaureate plus five years of progressive post-baccalaureate IT experience, which is equivalent to an advanced degree.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-25_01_B2203; source_row=23731
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance in the field

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the Petitioner referenced the orchestra's contributions rather than her own individual contributions; that having a diverse or unique skill set is not itself a contribution of major significance without evidence of actual field impact; and that recommendation letters were primarily conclusory and hyperbolic rather than specifically articulating how her contributions significantly impacted the field.

Why this is useful

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

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AAO found the Petitioner referenced the orchestra's contributions rather than her own individual contributions; that having a diverse or unique skill set is not itself a contribution of major significance without evidence of actual field impact; and that recommendation letters were primarily conclusory and hyperbolic rather than specifically articulating how her contributions significantly impacted the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-20_01_B2203; source_row=23723
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 organizations or establishments with distinguished reputation

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that while the concertmaster position is leading within the orchestra, the Petitioner did not establish how the role was leading or critical to the overall organization, did not compare her role to other leading positions at the organization, and submitted letters that were insufficiently specific about her impact on the organization's achievements or reputation.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

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AAO found that while the concertmaster position is leading within the orchestra, the Petitioner did not establish how the role was leading or critical to the overall organization, did not compare her role to other leading positions at the organization, and submitted letters that were insufficiently specific about her impact on the organization's achievements or reputation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-20_01_B2203; source_row=23725
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · AwardsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Awards

lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO disagreed with the Director's categorical rule that youth/student awards automatically fail, holding that age-limitation is a relevant factor rather than an automatic disqualifier. However, AAO found the Petitioner still did not establish the national or international significance of the award in the field, having focused on the competition's purpose and background rather than the award's recognition for excellence.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

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AAO disagreed with the Director's categorical rule that youth/student awards automatically fail, holding that age-limitation is a relevant factor rather than an automatic disqualifier. However, AAO found the Petitioner still did not establish the national or international significance of the award in the field, having focused on the competition's purpose and background rather than the award's recognition for excellence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-20_01_B2203; source_row=23722
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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