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.
The AAO found that the actual degree documents were absent from the record and therefore withdrew the Director's affirmative finding on this threshold requirement.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The AAO found that the actual degree documents were absent from the record and therefore withdrew the Director's affirmative finding on this threshold requirement.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_01_B5203; source_row=23593 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWNIW · National importanceEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
NIW · National importance
Substantial merit and national importance
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found the proposed forensic biomechanics research has substantial merit given its aim to improve health and safety outcomes, and national importance given its potential prospective impact as documented by support letters and dissemination through journals and conferences.
Why this is useful
Compare how the decision separates a broadly important field from the prospective impact of the applicant’s specific work.
View full reasoning +
AAO found the proposed forensic biomechanics research has substantial merit given its aim to improve health and safety outcomes, and national importance given its potential prospective impact as documented by support letters and dissemination through journals and conferences.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_01_B5203; source_row=23594 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Leading / critical role
leading or critical role for distinguished organizations
Why the evidence was persuasive
The evidence shows the Petitioner has performed in a critical role for distinguished organizations including a national women's team and a professional women's team, supported by media coverage and basketball statistics.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The evidence shows the Petitioner has performed in a critical role for distinguished organizations including a national women's team and a professional women's team, supported by media coverage and basketball statistics.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_01_B2203; source_row=23591 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
Why the evidence was persuasive
The Petitioner was a starting player on a team that won national basketball championships in 2013 and 2016 and earned a bronze medal at an international competition in 2011, supported by media coverage demonstrating national and international recognition.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The Petitioner was a starting player on a team that won national basketball championships in 2013 and 2016 and earned a bronze medal at an international competition in 2011, supported by media coverage demonstrating national and international recognition.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_01_B2203; source_row=23589 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
final merits determination
Why the evidence was persuasive
The Petitioner demonstrated sustained international acclaim through national championships (2013, 2016), a bronze medal at an international competition (2011), MVP honors, leading statistical performance at international tournaments, and extensive media coverage spanning the late 2000s through 2016 in multiple international outlets.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The Petitioner demonstrated sustained international acclaim through national championships (2013, 2016), a bronze medal at an international competition (2011), MVP honors, leading statistical performance at international tournaments, and extensive media coverage spanning the late 2000s through 2016 in multiple international outlets.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_01_B2203; source_row=23592 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
Why the evidence was persuasive
The record supports the Director's finding that the Petitioner satisfied the membership criterion, including competing as a member of a national women's basketball team at the 2008 competition.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The record supports the Director's finding that the Petitioner satisfied the membership criterion, including competing as a member of a national women's basketball team at the 2008 competition.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_01_B2203; source_row=23590 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Beneficiary's standing as affected party via section 204(j) portability
What the decision said
AAO found that the Director failed to determine whether the Beneficiary properly ported under section 204(j), and remands for that determination. AAO does not itself resolve the question but notes the record appears to show a timely porting request.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
AAO found that the Director failed to determine whether the Beneficiary properly ported under section 204(j), and remands for that determination. AAO does not itself resolve the question but notes the record appears to show a timely porting request.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-13_02_B5203; source_row=23597 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWten years experienceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
ten years experience
ten years of full-time experience in the occupation
Why AAO was not persuaded
The letters lack specificity regarding duties and time devoted to tax work versus restaurant operations, and in any event the Form I-140 was filed in July 2016, less than ten years after her claimed 2007 start.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The letters lack specificity regarding duties and time devoted to tax work versus restaurant operations, and in any event the Form I-140 was filed in July 2016, less than ten years after her claimed 2007 start.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-11_01_B5203; source_row=23583 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
official academic record relating to area of exceptional ability
Why AAO was not persuaded
The French language and literature degree does not relate to the Beneficiary's area of exceptional ability as a tax consultant, and the California coursework neither resulted in a degree nor relates to that area.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
View full reasoning +
The French language and literature degree does not relate to the Beneficiary's area of exceptional ability as a tax consultant, and the California coursework neither resulted in a degree nor relates to that area.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2019-02-11_01_B5203; source_row=23582 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c