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.
display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Why AAO was not persuaded
This criterion is limited to the visual arts, and the petitioner is not a visual artist who created tangible pieces of art displayed at exhibitions or showcases; speaking performances do not qualify.
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This criterion is limited to the visual arts, and the petitioner is not a visual artist who created tangible pieces of art displayed at exhibitions or showcases; speaking performances do not qualify.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_01_B2203; source_row=18490 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · High remuneration
high salary or significantly high remuneration
Why AAO was not persuaded
The petitioner did not submit documentary evidence of actual earnings (such as payroll records or tax forms), and the agency used for comparison is a business entity she controls, not an objective comparison to others in the field performing similar work.
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Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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The petitioner did not submit documentary evidence of actual earnings (such as payroll records or tax forms), and the agency used for comparison is a business entity she controls, not an objective comparison to others in the field performing similar work.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_01_B2203; source_row=18492 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
Reference letters were vague and conclusory; no documentary evidence demonstrated that her acrobatic-fighting Pingju innovations affected the field as a whole or substantially influenced other performers.
Why this is useful
Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.
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Reference letters were vague and conclusory; no documentary evidence demonstrated that her acrobatic-fighting Pingju innovations affected the field as a whole or substantially influenced other performers.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_02_B2203; source_row=18502 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO agreed the petitioner met this criterion based on a September 19, 2011 letter confirming her actual participation as a judge for the Sixth [REDACTED] in 2007.
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See how invitations, completed assignments, and the nature of judging were documented and weighed.
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AAO agreed the petitioner met this criterion based on a September 19, 2011 letter confirming her actual participation as a judge for the Sixth [REDACTED] in 2007.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_02_B2203; source_row=18501 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWNIW · Well positionedNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Social Sciences
Issue evaluated
NIW · Well positioned
national in scope
Why AAO was not persuaded
The new evidence—including photographs, wire transfers, award certificates, and support letters—did not demonstrate that the petitioner's work as a teacher had benefits that were national in scope. Post-filing test results could not be considered because eligibility must be established at the time of filing.
Why this is useful
Identify the progress, resources, outside interest, or record-to-plan connection that AAO expected to see.
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The new evidence—including photographs, wire transfers, award certificates, and support letters—did not demonstrate that the petitioner's work as a teacher had benefits that were national in scope. Post-filing test results could not be considered because eligibility must be established at the time of filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_01_B5203; source_row=18496 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Social Sciences
Issue evaluated
NIW · Waiver on balance
national interest substantially greater than U.S. worker
Why AAO was not persuaded
The petitioner failed to demonstrate that her work had already influenced the field as a whole at the time of filing, and her reference to three other teachers who received NIWs was unpersuasive because unpublished decisions are not binding and no evidence established that those cases were factually similar.
Why this is useful
See which endeavor-specific facts mattered to the waiver analysis beyond a preference to self-petition.
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The petitioner failed to demonstrate that her work had already influenced the field as a whole at the time of filing, and her reference to three other teachers who received NIWs was unpersuasive because unpublished decisions are not binding and no evidence established that those cases were factually similar.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_01_B5203; source_row=18497 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The petitioner did not contest the director's findings for this criterion on appeal and offered no additional arguments, so the issue was deemed abandoned.
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The petitioner did not contest the director's findings for this criterion on appeal and offered no additional arguments, so the issue was deemed abandoned.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-26_01_B2203; source_row=18488 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
After issuing a Notice of Intent to Dismiss, RFE, and Supplemental RFE, AAO finds the position qualifies as one requiring an advanced degree professional and the beneficiary's credentials (bachelor's or foreign equivalent plus five years of progressive experience) satisfy the labor certification.
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After issuing a Notice of Intent to Dismiss, RFE, and Supplemental RFE, AAO finds the position qualifies as one requiring an advanced degree professional and the beneficiary's credentials (bachelor's or foreign equivalent plus five years of progressive experience) satisfy the labor certification.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-25_01_B5203; source_row=18484 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
extraordinary ability as gymnastics coach (area of expertise / sustained acclaim)
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO agreed that the petitioner's achievements as a gymnastics competitor do not establish extraordinary ability as a gymnastics coach, because the two are distinct areas of expertise. The record lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim as a coach.
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Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO agreed that the petitioner's achievements as a gymnastics competitor do not establish extraordinary ability as a gymnastics coach, because the two are distinct areas of expertise. The record lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim as a coach.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2014-09-24_01_B2203; source_row=18483 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c