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 17061–17070

NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AIBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Advanced degree or equivalent (bachelor's plus five years post-baccalaureate progressive experience)

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO found that EB-2 regulations speak in terms of 'degrees' not diplomas, and that an 'official academic record' showing a degree is not limited to a formal diploma. A case-specific analysis showed the provisional certificate evidenced completion of all substantive requirements and university approval of the degree, consistent with AACRAO EDGE guidance on Indian provisional degree certificates.…

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AAO found that EB-2 regulations speak in terms of 'degrees' not diplomas, and that an 'official academic record' showing a degree is not limited to a formal diploma. A case-specific analysis showed the provisional certificate evidenced completion of all substantive requirements and university approval of the degree, consistent with AACRAO EDGE guidance on Indian provisional degree certificates. Measuring from the provisional certificate date of February 20, 2005, the Beneficiary accrued well over five years of qualifying experience before the June 24, 2014 priority date.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-20_02_B5203; source_row=21297
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

date of conferral of foreign equivalent bachelor's degree for measuring post-baccalaureate experience

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO concluded that the regulation references "degrees," not diplomas, and that an official academic record is not limited to a formal diploma. The provisional certificate combined with the statement of marks demonstrated completion of all substantive requirements and university approval as of May 27, 2007, supported by AACRAO EDGE's description of Indian provisional degree certificates.

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AAO concluded that the regulation references "degrees," not diplomas, and that an official academic record is not limited to a formal diploma. The provisional certificate combined with the statement of marks demonstrated completion of all substantive requirements and university approval as of May 27, 2007, supported by AACRAO EDGE's description of Indian provisional degree certificates.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-19_01_B5203; source_row=21294
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

commanded salary demonstrating exceptional ability (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(D))

Why AAO was not persuaded

The only documented wages were three pay stubs from early 2016, postdating the June 2015 priority date, so the Petitioner did not establish that the Beneficiary commanded the salary before the priority date.

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The only documented wages were three pay stubs from early 2016, postdating the June 2015 priority date, so the Petitioner did not establish that the Beneficiary commanded the salary before the priority date.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-18_01_B5203; source_row=21291
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

recognition for achievements and significant contributions (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(F))

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director accepted reference letters and reviews of the café as showing recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry, and AAO did not disturb that finding.

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The Director accepted reference letters and reviews of the café as showing recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry, and AAO did not disturb that finding.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-18_01_B5203; source_row=21292
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

ten years of full-time experience (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(B))

Why AAO was not persuaded

The documented experience amounted to six years with a prior employer plus 20 months with the Petitioner as of the June 2015 priority date, totaling less than 10 years. The contract for a period of employment did not substitute for the required employer letter confirming dates of work.

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The documented experience amounted to six years with a prior employer plus 20 months with the Petitioner as of the June 2015 priority date, totaling less than 10 years. The contract for a period of employment did not substitute for the required employer letter confirming dates of work.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-18_01_B5203; source_row=21290
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(A))

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director accepted the Beneficiary's vocational training certificates as satisfying this criterion, and the AAO did not disturb that finding.

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The Director accepted the Beneficiary's vocational training certificates as satisfying this criterion, and the AAO did not disturb that finding.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-18_01_B5203; source_row=21289
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

other

labor certification reflects job requiring exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

The ETA Form 9089 required only a high school diploma, no training, five years of experience, and offered the prevailing wage — none of which denote a position requiring exceptional ability. The Petitioner waived this issue by failing to address it on appeal.

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The ETA Form 9089 required only a high school diploma, no training, five years of experience, and offered the prevailing wage — none of which denote a position requiring exceptional ability. The Petitioner waived this issue by failing to address it on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-18_01_B5203; source_row=21293
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

other

Foreign degree equivalency (U.S. master's degree requirement)

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO found the Director applied the wrong EDGE entry. The correct EDGE entry for the second-cycle magister, which requires a prior licencjat degree, equates the credential to a U.S. master's degree. Because the Beneficiary's magister followed a three-year licencjata and lasted two and a half years, it falls under the second-cycle category and is equivalent to a U.S. master's degree.

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AAO found the Director applied the wrong EDGE entry. The correct EDGE entry for the second-cycle magister, which requires a prior licencjat degree, equates the credential to a U.S. master's degree. Because the Beneficiary's magister followed a three-year licencjata and lasted two and a half years, it falls under the second-cycle category and is equivalent to a U.S. master's degree.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-17_01_B5203; source_row=21287
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

other

Required experience (12 months as marketing specialist)

Why AAO was not persuaded

Although the Director did not address this issue, AAO found that the submitted employer letter failed to describe the Beneficiary's duties as a marketing specialist as required by 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(l)(3), and thus did not establish the required 12 months of experience. The matter was remanded for the Director to address this deficiency.

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Although the Director did not address this issue, AAO found that the submitted employer letter failed to describe the Beneficiary's duties as a marketing specialist as required by 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(l)(3), and thus did not establish the required 12 months of experience. The matter was remanded for the Director to address this deficiency.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-17_01_B5203; source_row=21288
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceNot established

Case facts

Social SciencesPhD

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to waive job offer requirement

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO acknowledges some of Petitioner's knowledge may exceed minimum occupational requirements but finds she has not shown urgent national interest or benefits sufficient to outweigh the labor certification process.

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AAO acknowledges some of Petitioner's knowledge may exceed minimum occupational requirements but finds she has not shown urgent national interest or benefits sufficient to outweigh the labor certification process.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-04-14_01_B5203; source_row=21284
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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