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.
10,847 decisions /36,849 findings
Showing 16961–16970
NIWten years experienceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
ten years experience
ten years of full-time experience (employer letters)
Why AAO was not persuaded
Although Petitioner claims over 10 years of IT experience, he submitted no employer letters documenting that experience as required.
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Although Petitioner claims over 10 years of IT experience, he submitted no employer letters documenting that experience as required.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-23_02_B5203; source_row=21409 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The Petitioner documented his authorship of scholarly articles in professional publications, and the record supports the Director's finding that this criterion is satisfied.
Why this is useful
See how AAO evaluated whether the work qualified as scholarly authorship and what it showed in the full record.
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The Petitioner documented his authorship of scholarly articles in professional publications, and the record supports the Director's finding that this criterion is satisfied.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-23_01_B2203; source_row=21399 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Civil / Structural EngineeringManager32 citations
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 did not satisfy at least three criteria, but noted that a review of the aggregate record supports a finding against the Petitioner.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO declined to conduct a full final merits determination because the Petitioner did not satisfy at least three criteria, but noted that a review of the aggregate record supports a finding against the Petitioner.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-23_01_B2203; source_row=21401 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Date of qualifying bachelor's degree (diploma vs. completion date)
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO disagreed with the Director's diploma-only analysis, holding that an 'official academic record' is not limited to a formal diploma and that a case-specific inquiry is required to determine whether the provisional certificate reflects completion of all substantive requirements. However, the record was insufficient to resolve the question due to unexplained institutional relationships and an incomplete transcript.
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 diploma-only analysis, holding that an 'official academic record' is not limited to a formal diploma and that a case-specific inquiry is required to determine whether the provisional certificate reflects completion of all substantive requirements. However, the record was insufficient to resolve the question due to unexplained institutional relationships and an incomplete transcript.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-23_01_B5203; source_row=21402 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
on balance, beneficial to the United States to waive job offer and labor certification
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found that the third prong was not met because the record showed a certified labor certification (Form ETA 9089) had been obtained on the Petitioner's behalf, demonstrating that obtaining a labor certification was not impractical. The Petitioner also failed to show that his contributions outweigh the benefits inherent in the labor certification process or that there is an urgent national interest in his research.
Why this is useful
See which endeavor-specific facts mattered to the waiver analysis beyond a preference to self-petition.
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AAO found that the third prong was not met because the record showed a certified labor certification (Form ETA 9089) had been obtained on the Petitioner's behalf, demonstrating that obtaining a labor certification was not impractical. The Petitioner also failed to show that his contributions outweigh the benefits inherent in the labor certification process or that there is an urgent national interest in his research.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-19_01_B5203; source_row=21394 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO found the Petitioner had not demonstrated a sufficient record of success or interest from relevant parties. Only one article cited his work, the peer review activities post-dated the filing date and were not shown to reflect a record of success, and reference letters did not provide specific examples of his findings being implemented elsewhere or generating substantial interest.
Why this is useful
Identify the progress, resources, outside interest, or record-to-plan connection that AAO expected to see.
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AAO found the Petitioner had not demonstrated a sufficient record of success or interest from relevant parties. Only one article cited his work, the peer review activities post-dated the filing date and were not shown to reflect a record of success, and reference letters did not provide specific examples of his findings being implemented elsewhere or generating substantial interest.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-19_01_B5203; source_row=21393 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWNIW · National importanceEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Medicine / Clinical
Issue evaluated
NIW · National importance
substantial merit and national importance
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found that the Petitioner's neonatology research has substantial merit and national importance because the work addresses sepsis and other serious NICU conditions with broader implications for the healthcare system, disseminated through journals and conferences. However, AAO noted that the Petitioner's clinical work alone did not meet the national importance element absent evidence of broader impact.
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 found that the Petitioner's neonatology research has substantial merit and national importance because the work addresses sepsis and other serious NICU conditions with broader implications for the healthcare system, disseminated through journals and conferences. However, AAO noted that the Petitioner's clinical work alone did not meet the national importance element absent evidence of broader impact.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-19_01_B5203; source_row=21392 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Five years of post-baccalaureate progressive experience equivalent to a master's degree
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found that EB-2 regulations require an 'official academic record' showing a 'degree,' which is not limited to a formal diploma. The provisional certificate, supported by the statement of marks, showed all substantive degree requirements were completed and the degree was approved by May 23, 2007. Counting from that date, the Beneficiary accrued over five years of qualifying experience before the priority date.
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 EB-2 regulations require an 'official academic record' showing a 'degree,' which is not limited to a formal diploma. The provisional certificate, supported by the statement of marks, showed all substantive degree requirements were completed and the degree was approved by May 23, 2007. Counting from that date, the Beneficiary accrued over five years of qualifying experience before the priority date.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-17_01_B5203; source_row=21391 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
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 contributions referenced in the letters related to technology developed by the employer rather than the Petitioner himself. The Petitioner also failed to show his presentations had major significance beyond his employer or were frequently cited by others in 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 that the contributions referenced in the letters related to technology developed by the employer rather than the Petitioner himself. The Petitioner also failed to show his presentations had major significance beyond his employer or were frequently cited by others in the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-05-16_01_B2203; source_row=21384 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c