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.
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
AAO found that the reference letters did not identify specific innovative methodologies or demonstrate that the Petitioner's coaching techniques or research papers had affected the field of sailing in a major way.
Why this is useful
Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.
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AAO found that the reference letters did not identify specific innovative methodologies or demonstrate that the Petitioner's coaching techniques or research papers had affected the field of sailing in a major way.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_01_B2203; source_row=21639 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
OtherEngineer
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
final merits determination
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim and that the Petitioner is among the small percentage at the very top of the field, based on the company's prestige, awards, financing, media coverage, and the Petitioner's recognition as a speaker and judge by independent organizations.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO found the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim and that the Petitioner is among the small percentage at the very top of the field, based on the company's prestige, awards, financing, media coverage, and the Petitioner's recognition as a speaker and judge by independent organizations.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_03_B2203; source_row=21658 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
OtherEngineer
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Published material
published materials
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found one article that began by discussing the Petitioner's childhood and education before describing how he formed the company, satisfying the 'about the alien' requirement. The publication was also found to be major media.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO found one article that began by discussing the Petitioner's childhood and education before describing how he formed the company, satisfying the 'about the alien' requirement. The publication was also found to be major media.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_03_B2203; source_row=21655 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO agreed that mere invitations were insufficient, but found an email from an organizer thanking the Petitioner for volunteering as a semi-final judge and noting he had projects yet to be scored, along with a CEO's explanation of his role, established by a preponderance of the evidence that he actually judged submissions.
Why this is useful
See how invitations, completed assignments, and the nature of judging were documented and weighed.
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AAO agreed that mere invitations were insufficient, but found an email from an organizer thanking the Petitioner for volunteering as a semi-final judge and noting he had projects yet to be scored, along with a CEO's explanation of his role, established by a preponderance of the evidence that he actually judged submissions.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_03_B2203; source_row=21656 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO held that 'Kellogg language' — derived from the BALCA ruling in Francis Kellogg — has no material effect on the interpretation of the stated minimum requirements. Because the labor certification on its face requires a master's degree and 36 months of experience (or a bachelor's and five years), the job offer satisfies the advanced-degree threshold.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO held that 'Kellogg language' — derived from the BALCA ruling in Francis Kellogg — has no material effect on the interpretation of the stated minimum requirements. Because the labor certification on its face requires a master's degree and 36 months of experience (or a bachelor's and five years), the job offer satisfies the advanced-degree threshold.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_03_B5203; source_row=21659 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO found that the Beneficiary withdrew his adjustment application before USCIS approved it, so the certification was never consumed by an approved adjustment. The NOIR's assertion that the record established invalidity of the labor certification was therefore incorrect.
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 the Beneficiary withdrew his adjustment application before USCIS approved it, so the certification was never consumed by an approved adjustment. The NOIR's assertion that the record established invalidity of the labor certification was therefore incorrect.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_04_B5203; source_row=21660 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Although the Director did not address this issue, the AAO independently found that both credential evaluations equated the Beneficiary's diploma to a U.S. bachelor of science in psychology (with a minor in educational psychology), not in the required major fields of educational psychology or special education as specified by the labor certification.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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Although the Director did not address this issue, the AAO independently found that both credential evaluations equated the Beneficiary's diploma to a U.S. bachelor of science in psychology (with a minor in educational psychology), not in the required major fields of educational psychology or special education as specified by the labor certification.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-07-26_02_B5203; source_row=21654 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c