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AAO agreed that the petitioner's actual compensation to the beneficiary was far below the proffered wage, that no required annual reports, tax returns, or audited financial statements were submitted, and that bank statements alone are insufficient under the regulation. AAO also noted the petitioner had ample opportunity to submit required documentation after the Director's denial but did not do so.
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AAO agreed that the petitioner's actual compensation to the beneficiary was far below the proffered wage, that no required annual reports, tax returns, or audited financial statements were submitted, and that bank statements alone are insufficient under the regulation. AAO also noted the petitioner had ample opportunity to submit required documentation after the Director's denial but did not do so.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=16681 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO affirmed that because the degree-granting institution lacks regional accreditation recognized by DOE/CHEA, the beneficiary's credential is not a qualifying U.S. master's degree, and the beneficiary's only other degree (a Korean Bachelor of Music) is neither equivalent to a master's nor in the required field.
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AAO affirmed that because the degree-granting institution lacks regional accreditation recognized by DOE/CHEA, the beneficiary's credential is not a qualifying U.S. master's degree, and the beneficiary's only other degree (a Korean Bachelor of Music) is neither equivalent to a master's nor in the required field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=16680 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The petitioner's 2011 Form 1065 showed net income of -$191,763, which is insufficient to cover either the proffered wage or the shortfall between wages paid and the proffered wage. Unaudited balance sheets and the CPA letter are insufficient substitutes for audited financial statements.
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The petitioner's 2011 Form 1065 showed net income of -$191,763, which is insufficient to cover either the proffered wage or the shortfall between wages paid and the proffered wage. Unaudited balance sheets and the CPA letter are insufficient substitutes for audited financial statements.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_06_B5203; source_row=16671 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The petitioner paid the beneficiary $58,137.98 in 2011 via W-2, which is less than the proffered wage of $83,500, so the petitioner must establish ability to pay the $25,362.02 difference through other means.
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The petitioner paid the beneficiary $58,137.98 in 2011 via W-2, which is less than the proffered wage of $83,500, so the petitioner must establish ability to pay the $25,362.02 difference through other means.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_06_B5203; source_row=16670 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Totality of circumstances / overall business magnitude (Matter of Sonegawa)
Why AAO was not persuaded
Although USCIS may consider broader business factors under Sonegawa, the record was silent on the petitioner's industry reputation, established historical growth, and whether the beneficiary replaced a former employee or outsourced service, so the totality of circumstances did not establish ability to pay.
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Although USCIS may consider broader business factors under Sonegawa, the record was silent on the petitioner's industry reputation, established historical growth, and whether the beneficiary replaced a former employee or outsourced service, so the totality of circumstances did not establish ability to pay.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_06_B5203; source_row=16673 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Although the AAO withdrew the director's decision for failing to conduct an independent analysis as required by Tawfik, it reached the same conclusion on de novo review. The 2006 sworn ICE statement from the prior spouse was found to be substantial and probative evidence of marriage fraud, and the petitioner's rebuttal evidence—later affidavits, cohabitation witnesses, travel records, and lease documents—was insufficient to…
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Although the AAO withdrew the director's decision for failing to conduct an independent analysis as required by Tawfik, it reached the same conclusion on de novo review. The 2006 sworn ICE statement from the prior spouse was found to be substantial and probative evidence of marriage fraud, and the petitioner's rebuttal evidence—later affidavits, cohabitation witnesses, travel records, and lease documents—was insufficient to overcome it.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_08_B5203; source_row=16675 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
continuing ability to pay the proffered wage from the priority date
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO concluded the petitioner's net income and net current assets in 2004-2007 fell well below the $74,672 proffered wage; W-2 wages from a separate pre-merger entity could not be credited; bank statements are not regulatory evidence and do not show sustainable ability; and the Yates Memorandum cannot override the regulation's continuing-ability requirement.
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AAO concluded the petitioner's net income and net current assets in 2004-2007 fell well below the $74,672 proffered wage; W-2 wages from a separate pre-merger entity could not be credited; bank statements are not regulatory evidence and do not show sustainable ability; and the Yates Memorandum cannot override the regulation's continuing-ability requirement.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_09_B5203; source_row=16676 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Net income and net current assets in 2011 were below the proffered wage; supplemental evidence (bank statements, A/R, line of credit, unaudited statements) cannot substitute for tax returns/audited statements, and the record lacks evidence the owner-officers would forgo compensation or that Sonegawa-type extenuating reputation/growth circumstances exist.
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Net income and net current assets in 2011 were below the proffered wage; supplemental evidence (bank statements, A/R, line of credit, unaudited statements) cannot substitute for tax returns/audited statements, and the record lacks evidence the owner-officers would forgo compensation or that Sonegawa-type extenuating reputation/growth circumstances exist.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_07_B5203; source_row=16674 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Beneficiary met labor certification requirements on priority date
Why AAO was not persuaded
The labor certification unambiguously required 60 months of experience, and the beneficiary lacked that experience. The proposed amendment to the labor certification constitutes an impermissible material change that cannot be made after filing.
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The labor certification unambiguously required 60 months of experience, and the beneficiary lacked that experience. The proposed amendment to the labor certification constitutes an impermissible material change that cannot be made after filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-25_03_B5203; source_row=16665 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c