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 21321–21330

NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherMaster’s

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

recognition for achievements and significant contributions

Why AAO was not persuaded

The letters use near-verbatim boilerplate language reducing their probative value, no examples of peer recognition were provided, and the record lacks credible evidence of significant contributions to the field of olive wood carving.

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The letters use near-verbatim boilerplate language reducing their probative value, no examples of peer recognition were provided, and the record lacks credible evidence of significant contributions to the field of olive wood carving.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_03_B5203; source_row=16629
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherMaster’s

Issue evaluated

other

original scientific or scholarly research contributions of major significance

Why AAO was not persuaded

The beneficiary is an artist; the letters do not claim scientific or scholarly research contributions, and vague conclusory letters are insufficient.

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The beneficiary is an artist; the letters do not claim scientific or scholarly research contributions, and vague conclusory letters are insufficient.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_03_B5203; source_row=16631
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherMaster’s

Issue evaluated

other

internationally recognized prizes or awards

Why AAO was not persuaded

Counsel conceded no evidence; comparable evidence is not permitted under Schedule A Group II.

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Counsel conceded no evidence; comparable evidence is not permitted under Schedule A Group II.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_03_B5203; source_row=16630
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherMaster’s

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

ten years of full-time experience (employer letters)

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew the director's finding because the letters did not specify whether employment was full-time and the record contains inconsistencies (overlapping employment, master's degree period) that the petitioner did not resolve.

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AAO withdrew the director's finding because the letters did not specify whether employment was full-time and the record contains inconsistencies (overlapping employment, master's degree period) that the petitioner did not resolve.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_03_B5203; source_row=16626
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherMaster’s

Issue evaluated

other

display of work at artistic exhibitions in more than one country

Why the evidence was persuasive

Evidence shows displays in Bethlehem and the United States, satisfying the plain-language requirement.

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Evidence shows displays in Bethlehem and the United States, satisfying the plain-language requirement.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_03_B5203; source_row=16632
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay via wages paid to beneficiary

Why AAO was not persuaded

The beneficiary's 2011 W-2 showed only $30,000, which is less than the proffered wage of $89,814.40. Six months of payroll records cannot be prorated to satisfy a full annual proffered wage obligation.

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The beneficiary's 2011 W-2 showed only $30,000, which is less than the proffered wage of $89,814.40. Six months of payroll records cannot be prorated to satisfy a full annual proffered wage obligation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_01_B5203; source_row=16621
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay via totality of circumstances (Sonegawa)

Why AAO was not persuaded

Although USCIS may consider overall business magnitude under Sonegawa, the petitioner provided insufficient evidence of historical growth, industry reputation, uncharacteristic expenditures, or other relevant factors.

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Although USCIS may consider overall business magnitude under Sonegawa, the petitioner provided insufficient evidence of historical growth, industry reputation, uncharacteristic expenditures, or other relevant factors.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_01_B5203; source_row=16623
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay via net income (tax returns)

Why AAO was not persuaded

Despite a specific and clear RFE from the director, the petitioner declined to provide 2011 tax returns, annual reports, or audited financial statements, precluding evaluation of net income or net current assets.

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Despite a specific and clear RFE from the director, the petitioner declined to provide 2011 tax returns, annual reports, or audited financial statements, precluding evaluation of net income or net current assets.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_01_B5203; source_row=16622
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay combined proffered wages for all filed I-140 petitions

Why AAO was not persuaded

The AAO raised independently that the petitioner had filed over 200 I-140 petitions and must show ability to pay combined proffered wages to all beneficiaries, but the record lacked documentation of priority dates, wages, or disposition of those petitions.

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The AAO raised independently that the petitioner had filed over 200 I-140 petitions and must show ability to pay combined proffered wages to all beneficiaries, but the record lacked documentation of priority dates, wages, or disposition of those petitions.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-20_01_B5203; source_row=16624
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Chemistry / Chemical EngineeringResearch Scientist

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role for distinguished organizations

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner's temporary, subordinate roles as a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher were not shown to be leading or critical for organizations with distinguished reputations; no organizational charts or differentiating evidence was submitted.

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The petitioner's temporary, subordinate roles as a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher were not shown to be leading or critical for organizations with distinguished reputations; no organizational charts or differentiating evidence was submitted.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-06-19_01_B2203; source_row=16614
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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