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 15491–15500

NIWotherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Labor certification demonstrates advanced degree requirement

Why the evidence was persuasive

Part H.14 describes an acceptable method for evaluating foreign credentials—not a lowered minimum educational standard. It does not permit acceptance of less than a master's degree or of combinations of lesser education and experience.

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Part H.14 describes an acceptable method for evaluating foreign credentials—not a lowered minimum educational standard. It does not permit acceptance of less than a master's degree or of combinations of lesser education and experience.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-16_03_B5203; source_row=23012
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

other

ability to pay proffered wage from priority date

Why AAO was not persuaded

The submitted documents were not audited financial statements, contained internal inconsistencies with tax returns, did not cover years 2010-2012, and the Petitioner persistently failed to provide proffered wage information for its other I-140 beneficiaries despite repeated prior notifications.

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The submitted documents were not audited financial statements, contained internal inconsistencies with tax returns, did not cover years 2010-2012, and the Petitioner persistently failed to provide proffered wage information for its other I-140 beneficiaries despite repeated prior notifications.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-16_01_B5203; source_row=23011
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 recommendation letters praised the Petitioner's skills but did not demonstrate specific contributions of major significance in the field. The film's wide release and speaking engagement also failed to show meaningful impact on the overall film industry.

Why this is useful

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

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The recommendation letters praised the Petitioner's skills but did not demonstrate specific contributions of major significance in the field. The film's wide release and speaking engagement also failed to show meaningful impact on the overall film industry.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-15_01_B2203; source_row=23008
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

AAO found that the Petitioner's film premiering at 400 movie theatres throughout the United States satisfied the artistic display criterion, disagreeing with the Director's finding on this criterion.

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AAO found that the Petitioner's film premiering at 400 movie theatres throughout the United States satisfied the artistic display criterion, disagreeing with the Director's finding on this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-15_01_B2203; source_row=23009
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 record contains articles and television coverage of the Petitioner in major media, satisfying the published material criterion.

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The record contains articles and television coverage of the Petitioner in major media, satisfying the published material criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-15_01_B2203; source_row=23007
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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 declined to conduct a full final merits determination because the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold of three criteria, but noted in dicta that the record does not support sustained national or international acclaim.

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AAO declined to conduct a full final merits determination because the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold of three criteria, but noted in dicta that the record does not support sustained national or international acclaim.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-15_01_B2203; source_row=23010
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedNot established

Case facts

Biomedical / Life SciencesPhysician

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO finds the Petitioner's research experience does not show he is well positioned to start, lead, and grow a drug development company, and the record lacks evidence of investor or industry interest. The publications and patents do not constitute a record of success, citations have not been shown to be frequent relative to the field, and patents have not led to commercial drug development.

Why this is useful

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AAO finds the Petitioner's research experience does not show he is well positioned to start, lead, and grow a drug development company, and the record lacks evidence of investor or industry interest. The publications and patents do not constitute a record of success, citations have not been shown to be frequent relative to the field, and patents have not led to commercial drug development.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-14_04_B5203; source_row=23005
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay via totality of circumstances (Sonegawa factors and investment account)

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner's tax return history did not demonstrate consistent growth or industry reputation. The investment account could not be counted as a current asset because it was not listed as such on the federal income tax returns, and the Petitioner failed to show it had the necessary liquidity to cover proffered wage obligations.

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The Petitioner's tax return history did not demonstrate consistent growth or industry reputation. The investment account could not be counted as a current asset because it was not listed as such on the federal income tax returns, and the Petitioner failed to show it had the necessary liquidity to cover proffered wage obligations.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-14_01_B5203; source_row=23000
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay via net income and net current assets

Why AAO was not persuaded

In 2015, the Petitioner's net income of $101,705 fell $86,750 short of the $188,455 wage deficit; in 2016, net income of $122,980 fell $154,949 short of the $277,929 deficit. In neither year did the Petitioner have any net current assets.

Why this is useful

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In 2015, the Petitioner's net income of $101,705 fell $86,750 short of the $188,455 wage deficit; in 2016, net income of $122,980 fell $154,949 short of the $277,929 deficit. In neither year did the Petitioner have any net current assets.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-14_01_B5203; source_row=22999
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay via wages actually paid

Why AAO was not persuaded

The wages paid to most of the Petitioner's 18 I-140 beneficiaries were below their proffered wages in 2015, 2016, and 2017, resulting in combined deficits of $188,455.12, $277,928.68, and $266,996.83 respectively.

Why this is useful

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The wages paid to most of the Petitioner's 18 I-140 beneficiaries were below their proffered wages in 2015, 2016, and 2017, resulting in combined deficits of $188,455.12, $277,928.68, and $266,996.83 respectively.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2018-08-14_01_B5203; source_row=22998
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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