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 14931–14940

NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Beneficiary possesses advanced degree or equivalent for EB-2 classification

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO found the Beneficiary's Indian master's degree equates to at least a U.S. bachelor's degree, and combined with at least five years of post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty, she satisfies the regulatory definition of an advanced degree for EB-2 classification.

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AAO found the Beneficiary's Indian master's degree equates to at least a U.S. bachelor's degree, and combined with at least five years of post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty, she satisfies the regulatory definition of an advanced degree for EB-2 classification.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-03-01_01_B5203; source_row=23663
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

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO conducted a sua sponte review of the totality of the record and found it did not demonstrate the sustained national or international acclaim and top-of-field recognition required for EB-1A classification.

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AAO conducted a sua sponte review of the totality of the record and found it did not demonstrate the sustained national or international acclaim and top-of-field recognition required for EB-1A classification.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-28_01_B2203; source_row=23655
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

Why AAO was not persuaded

The AAO found that while the Petitioner's work was displayed in reputable museums and received favorable reviews, the evidence did not establish that his contributions had significantly impacted or influenced pop art at the level of major significance.…

Why this is useful

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

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The AAO found that while the Petitioner's work was displayed in reputable museums and received favorable reviews, the evidence did not establish that his contributions had significantly impacted or influenced pop art at the level of major significance. Letters from the curator and the analytical report were insufficiently specific to confirm major significance, and the book published about the Petitioner focused on art workshops for intellectually impaired individuals rather than on his pop art contributions.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-28_01_B2203; source_row=23653
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director found, and the record supports, that the Petitioner submitted articles discussing his artwork and exhibitions in publications considered major media in Brazil.

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The Director found, and the record supports, that the Petitioner submitted articles discussing his artwork and exhibitions in publications considered major media in Brazil.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-28_01_B2203; source_row=23652
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director found, and the record supports, that the Petitioner's work was displayed at a museum and a cultural center.

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The Director found, and the record supports, that the Petitioner's work was displayed at a museum and a cultural center.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-28_01_B2203; source_row=23654
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary or significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field

Why AAO was not persuaded

The record lacked sufficient documentation to establish the Petitioner's salary as a jiu-jitsu instructor, as the tax returns did not link business income to instructor earnings and lacked W-2s.…

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The record lacked sufficient documentation to establish the Petitioner's salary as a jiu-jitsu instructor, as the tax returns did not link business income to instructor earnings and lacked W-2s. The salary comparison data used martial arts instructors as a benchmark, which was not demonstrated to be an accurate basis of comparison, and the data lacked geographic specificity; moreover, other record evidence showed jiu-jitsu coaches earn significantly more than general martial arts instructors.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=23650
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · MembershipNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements

Why AAO was not persuaded

Although the materials demonstrate the Petitioner's affiliation with the relevant organization, the record lacks evidence of the association's membership requirements showing it requires outstanding achievements judged by recognized national or international experts. The Petitioner's black belt was not shown to constitute association membership with a qualifying selection process.

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Although the materials demonstrate the Petitioner's affiliation with the relevant organization, the record lacks evidence of the association's membership requirements showing it requires outstanding achievements judged by recognized national or international experts. The Petitioner's black belt was not shown to constitute association membership with a qualifying selection process.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=23646
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

The letters submitted did not provide sufficient information or corroborating documentation to demonstrate how the Petitioner's work as a jiu-jitsu coach was a contribution of major significance to the field. The letters made broad, unsupported assertions lacking the specificity needed to establish major significance.

Why this is useful

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

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The letters submitted did not provide sufficient information or corroborating documentation to demonstrate how the Petitioner's work as a jiu-jitsu coach was a contribution of major significance to the field. The letters made broad, unsupported assertions lacking the specificity needed to establish major significance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=23648
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material in professional or major trade publications or other major media

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew the Director's finding. The Veja article lacked a certified English translation and did not appear to be about the Petitioner's work as a jiu-jitsu instructor. The TMZ Sports article was not about the Petitioner at all and lacked an identified author.…

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AAO withdrew the Director's finding. The Veja article lacked a certified English translation and did not appear to be about the Petitioner's work as a jiu-jitsu instructor. The TMZ Sports article was not about the Petitioner at all and lacked an identified author. The abc-7.com articles, while about the Petitioner, were not accompanied by evidence that abc-7.com qualifies as a professional or major trade publication or major medium.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=23647
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 with a distinguished reputation

Why AAO was not persuaded

The memo did not provide detailed and probative information showing the Petitioner's role was of significant importance to the organization's activities. The contract described prospective rather than performed contributions, and eligibility must be established at the time of filing. The Wikipedia article about the Florida sheriff's office did not address the specific organization's reputation.

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The memo did not provide detailed and probative information showing the Petitioner's role was of significant importance to the organization's activities. The contract described prospective rather than performed contributions, and eligibility must be established at the time of filing. The Wikipedia article about the Florida sheriff's office did not address the specific organization's reputation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=23649
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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