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 17991–18000

NIWexceptional ability otherNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

original scientific or scholarly research contributions of major significance

What the decision said

The petitioner did not address this criterion on appeal and has therefore abandoned any claims regarding it.

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The petitioner did not address this criterion on appeal and has therefore abandoned any claims regarding it.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-05-14_01_B5203; source_row=17958
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

labor certification establishes position requires advanced degree professional

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO affirmed, holding that the plain language of Part H.14 permits a combination of lesser degrees and that AAO may not ignore terms of the labor certification. The recruitment documentation was inconclusive as it did not specify the nature of the bachelor's-degree equivalency.

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AAO affirmed, holding that the plain language of Part H.14 permits a combination of lesser degrees and that AAO may not ignore terms of the labor certification. The recruitment documentation was inconclusive as it did not specify the nature of the bachelor's-degree equivalency.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-12_01_B5203; source_row=20314
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

beneficiary's possession of qualifying experience by priority date

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found two employer letters deficient under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(g)(1) for failing to describe the Beneficiary's experience, and rejected the coworker affidavit as secondary evidence because the petitioner did not establish the unavailability of the required primary evidence.

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AAO found two employer letters deficient under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(g)(1) for failing to describe the Beneficiary's experience, and rejected the coworker affidavit as secondary evidence because the petitioner did not establish the unavailability of the required primary evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-12_01_B5203; source_row=20315
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · AwardsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Awards

lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed the awards lack context demonstrating national or international recognition or that they were given for excellence in dance or choreography.

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AAO agreed the awards lack context demonstrating national or international recognition or that they were given for excellence in dance or choreography.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20307
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · MembershipNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew the Director's finding, concluding the troupe relationship was employment rather than association membership and that the union membership lacked evidence that outstanding achievements are required as judged by recognized national or international experts.

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AAO withdrew the Director's finding, concluding the troupe relationship was employment rather than association membership and that the union membership lacked evidence that outstanding achievements are required as judged by recognized national or international experts.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20308
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material about the individual in professional or major trade publications or major media

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the Petitioner provided no copies of the underlying articles, did not show they were unavailable, did not establish the articles were about him personally rather than about the troupe, and did not show the publications constituted major media.

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AAO found the Petitioner provided no copies of the underlying articles, did not show they were unavailable, did not establish the articles were about him personally rather than about the troupe, and did not show the publications constituted major media.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20309
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO acknowledged the troupe had a distinguished reputation but found the documentation insufficient to corroborate that Petitioner's role was leading or critical, with conclusory letters lacking context regarding hierarchy, duties, or impact.

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AAO acknowledged the troupe had a distinguished reputation but found the documentation insufficient to corroborate that Petitioner's role was leading or critical, with conclusory letters lacking context regarding hierarchy, duties, or impact.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20311
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Commercial successNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Commercial success

commercial successes in the performing arts

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found no box office receipts or corroborating evidence of tour dates or ticket sales, and no evidence linking commercial success to the Petitioner's specific participation or prominence.

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AAO found no box office receipts or corroborating evidence of tour dates or ticket sales, and no evidence linking commercial success to the Petitioner's specific participation or prominence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20312
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

display of the individual's work at artistic exhibitions or showcases

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO agreed Petitioner provided sufficient evidence of his work being displayed at artistic exhibitions through posters and brochures of his performances.

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AAO agreed Petitioner provided sufficient evidence of his work being displayed at artistic exhibitions through posters and brochures of his performances.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20310
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

other

intent to continue work in area of extraordinary ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

Petitioner left Form I-140 Part 6 blank, did not respond to the RFE on intended employment, and never identified the role he intended to fill in the U.S.; the record suggests he has shifted from dancer to choreographer/instructor, which AAO treats as different areas of expertise.

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Petitioner left Form I-140 Part 6 blank, did not respond to the RFE on intended employment, and never identified the role he intended to fill in the U.S.; the record suggests he has shifted from dancer to choreographer/instructor, which AAO treats as different areas of expertise.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2016-05-09_01_B2203; source_row=20313
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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