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 2031–2040
NIWNIW · Well positionedNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Computer Science / AI
Issue evaluated
NIW · Well positioned
well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor
What the decision said
AAO observes that if the cryptocurrency-focused endeavor were accepted, the Director's prong-2 conclusion would have to be reconsidered because the Petitioner has shown no expertise in cryptocurrency or robo-advisors, but AAO does not formally re-decide prong 2.
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 observes that if the cryptocurrency-focused endeavor were accepted, the Director's prong-2 conclusion would have to be reconsidered because the Petitioner has shown no expertise in cryptocurrency or robo-advisors, but AAO does not formally re-decide prong 2.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-03_03_B5203; source_row=42151 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWprocedural or otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Computer Science / AI
Issue evaluated
procedural or other
motion to reopen requirements
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO agrees the new materials were generalized STEM policy guidance that does not broadly exempt STEM workers from labor certification, and they do not show federal interest in this specific endeavor.
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AAO agrees the new materials were generalized STEM policy guidance that does not broadly exempt STEM workers from labor certification, and they do not show federal interest in this specific endeavor.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-03_03_B5203; source_row=42149 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWprocedural or otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Computer Science / AI
Issue evaluated
procedural or other
motion to reconsider requirements
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO agrees that the motion did not identify legal or policy error; the Petitioner's arguments largely re-asserted national importance without showing the Director misapplied Dhanasar.
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AAO agrees that the motion did not identify legal or policy error; the Petitioner's arguments largely re-asserted national importance without showing the Director misapplied Dhanasar.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-03_03_B5203; source_row=42148 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO agreed the endeavor has substantial merit but found the Petitioner did not show his specific endeavor would impact the field beyond his program participants. New evidence of Yoruba programs at eleven U.S. universities undercut the shortage argument, and the business plan's projections were unsupported by probative evidence.
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 agreed the endeavor has substantial merit but found the Petitioner did not show his specific endeavor would impact the field beyond his program participants. New evidence of Yoruba programs at eleven U.S. universities undercut the shortage argument, and the business plan's projections were unsupported by probative evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_05_B5203; source_row=42116 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found that Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions are athletic and competitive, not artistic, in nature and therefore do not qualify as artistic exhibitions or showcases under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(vii). AAO also rejected the Petitioner's reliance on Dr. Klens-Bigman's theory (which she herself said excludes martial art sport forms) and on a non-precedential 2005 AAO decision.
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AAO found that Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitions are athletic and competitive, not artistic, in nature and therefore do not qualify as artistic exhibitions or showcases under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(vii). AAO also rejected the Petitioner's reliance on Dr. Klens-Bigman's theory (which she herself said excludes martial art sport forms) and on a non-precedential 2005 AAO decision.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_01_B2203; source_row=42103 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Major awardNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
OtherManager
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Major award
One-time major internationally recognized award
Why AAO was not persuaded
The Director concluded the record does not establish a one-time achievement of a major, internationally recognized award, and the Petitioner did not contest this on appeal.
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The Director concluded the record does not establish a one-time achievement of a major, internationally recognized award, and the Petitioner did not contest this on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_01_B2203; source_row=42096 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO criticized the Director for improperly importing a final-merits standard (competing at the very top) into the criterion, but nonetheless concluded the criterion was not met because the tournament results did not establish that the prizes reflected excellence in the field — many results showed only one or two finalists, indicating awards by default rather than excellence.
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AAO criticized the Director for improperly importing a final-merits standard (competing at the very top) into the criterion, but nonetheless concluded the criterion was not met because the tournament results did not establish that the prizes reflected excellence in the field — many results showed only one or two finalists, indicating awards by default rather than excellence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_01_B2203; source_row=42097 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
OtherManager
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Published material
Published material in professional or major trade publications or other major media
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO acknowledged that the publications may be some form of trade publication but found the record did not establish they are 'major' trade publications or major media. Internet traffic data submitted was inconclusive and not contextualized to demonstrate major status.
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AAO acknowledged that the publications may be some form of trade publication but found the record did not establish they are 'major' trade publications or major media. Internet traffic data submitted was inconclusive and not contextualized to demonstrate major status.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_01_B2203; source_row=42099 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
OtherManager
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Original contributions
Original contributions of major significance in the field
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found that the Petitioner's organization of a charity Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament (the [REDACTED] event) did not establish major significance in the field. While the event had charitable merit, the letters and articles did not explain how it was of major significance in the field of Brazilian jiu-jitsu broadly.
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 Petitioner's organization of a charity Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament (the [REDACTED] event) did not establish major significance in the field. While the event had charitable merit, the letters and articles did not explain how it was of major significance in the field of Brazilian jiu-jitsu broadly.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_01_B2203; source_row=42101 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found that the IBJJF black belt and first-degree black belt do not require outstanding achievements as judged by recognized national or international experts. The requirements include minimum age, medical and rules training, and maintaining active membership, none of which constitute outstanding achievements, and simply maintaining active membership for three years qualifies for the first-degree black belt.
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AAO found that the IBJJF black belt and first-degree black belt do not require outstanding achievements as judged by recognized national or international experts. The requirements include minimum age, medical and rules training, and maintaining active membership, none of which constitute outstanding achievements, and simply maintaining active membership for three years qualifies for the first-degree black belt.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-12-02_01_B2203; source_row=42098 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c