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 established
Case facts
Mathematics / Statistics
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Original contributions
original contributions of major significance
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found citation numbers were modest (ten or fewer for most articles), the comparative citation reports did not establish major significance, recommendation letters were largely conclusory and did not provide specific examples of widespread impact, and one expert's forward-looking statements about potential future impact did not establish eligibility at the time of filing.
Why this is useful
Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.
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AAO found citation numbers were modest (ten or fewer for most articles), the comparative citation reports did not establish major significance, recommendation letters were largely conclusory and did not provide specific examples of widespread impact, and one expert's forward-looking statements about potential future impact did not establish eligibility at the time of filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=21137 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Mathematics / Statistics
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 the minimum three criteria at step one, but noted in aggregate the record does not support the required level of expertise.
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 the minimum three criteria at step one, but noted in aggregate the record does not support the required level of expertise.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=21139 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
What the decision said
AAO noted the Petitioner's appeal did not contest the Director's finding on the awards criterion and the record does not support a finding that he meets it, so AAO declined to address it.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO noted the Petitioner's appeal did not contest the Director's finding on the awards criterion and the record does not support a finding that he meets it, so AAO declined to address it.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-27_01_B2203; source_row=21135 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO reviewed the totality of the record, including W-2 statements, three years of tax returns, and additional appeal evidence, and found the Petitioner established its ability to pay the proffered wage of $83,845 from the May 13, 2014 priority date onward.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO reviewed the totality of the record, including W-2 statements, three years of tax returns, and additional appeal evidence, and found the Petitioner established its ability to pay the proffered wage of $83,845 from the May 13, 2014 priority date onward.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-27_01_B5203; source_row=21140 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
leading or critical role for distinguished organizations
Why AAO was not persuaded
The record showed the Petitioner held a non-principal chair position in one orchestra and was listed as assistant principal violist, not a section leader. AAO also rejected the argument that participation as an orchestral musician alone satisfies the 'critical role' standard, as such an interpretation would not serve the purpose of identifying extraordinary ability.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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The record showed the Petitioner held a non-principal chair position in one orchestra and was listed as assistant principal violist, not a section leader. AAO also rejected the argument that participation as an orchestral musician alone satisfies the 'critical role' standard, as such an interpretation would not serve the purpose of identifying extraordinary ability.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-23_01_B2203; source_row=21132 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The undated certificate lacked evidence of national/international recognition, history, or selection criteria. The trophy award similarly lacked information establishing national or international recognition. The scholarship was supported only by letters from non-university affiliates and was not shown to be a nationally or internationally recognized prize or award.
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Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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The undated certificate lacked evidence of national/international recognition, history, or selection criteria. The trophy award similarly lacked information establishing national or international recognition. The scholarship was supported only by letters from non-university affiliates and was not shown to be a nationally or internationally recognized prize or award.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-23_01_B2203; source_row=21129 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
Why AAO was not persuaded
For each of the four organizations, the Petitioner failed to provide documentation showing they require outstanding achievements of members or that member selections are made by recognized national or international experts.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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For each of the four organizations, the Petitioner failed to provide documentation showing they require outstanding achievements of members or that member selections are made by recognized national or international experts.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2017-02-23_01_B2203; source_row=21130 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c