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.

Clear filters

10,847 decisions / 36,849 findings

Showing 22111–22120

NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

continuous bona fide/realistic job offer

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed that the suspension predated both the I-140 filing and the beneficiary's AC-21 porting, meaning the job offer was never continuously realistic, and rejected counsel's narrow reading of Herrera.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
AAO agreed that the suspension predated both the I-140 filing and the beneficiary's AC-21 porting, meaning the job offer was never continuously realistic, and rejected counsel's narrow reading of Herrera.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-28_01_B5203; source_row=15722
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · AwardsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Awards

prizes or awards

Why AAO was not persuaded

Most competitions were regional or local; the petitioner was only a finalist (not winner) at the one nationally recognized competition identified; post-filing-date competition evidence could not be considered; and independent corroborating evidence of national or international recognition was absent.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
Most competitions were regional or local; the petitioner was only a finalist (not winner) at the one nationally recognized competition identified; post-filing-date competition evidence could not be considered; and independent corroborating evidence of national or international recognition was absent.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-25_04_B2203; source_row=15715
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

Why AAO was not persuaded

There was no independent evidence establishing the distinguished reputation of the ballet company or dance club beyond counsel's unsupported assertions, and the letters failed to articulate how the petitioner's role was critical to the establishments as a whole rather than for specific projects.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
There was no independent evidence establishing the distinguished reputation of the ballet company or dance club beyond counsel's unsupported assertions, and the letters failed to articulate how the petitioner's role was critical to the establishments as a whole rather than for specific projects.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-25_04_B2203; source_row=15720
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

artistic exhibitions or showcases

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew the director's finding because DanceSport participants are athletes, not visual artists, and the criterion is limited to visual arts — the petitioner has not created tangible pieces of art displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
AAO withdrew the director's finding because DanceSport participants are athletes, not visual artists, and the criterion is limited to visual arts — the petitioner has not created tangible pieces of art displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-25_04_B2203; source_row=15719
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material about the alien

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO affirmed the director's conclusion that the petitioner met this criterion, while noting that not all submitted materials were 'about' the petitioner or appeared in qualifying publications.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
AAO affirmed the director's conclusion that the petitioner met this criterion, while noting that not all submitted materials were 'about' the petitioner or appeared in qualifying publications.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-25_04_B2203; source_row=15717
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot established

Case facts

Business / ManagementPhysician

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

salary or other remuneration demonstrating exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner's claimed $80,000 annual income was unsupported, corporate income is not personal remuneration, and the tax return showed only a $23,951 distribution. The petitioner failed to show this level of income demonstrates exceptional ability and did not contest the finding on appeal.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
The petitioner's claimed $80,000 annual income was unsupported, corporate income is not personal remuneration, and the tax return showed only a $23,951 distribution. The petitioner failed to show this level of income demonstrates exceptional ability and did not contest the finding on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-24_01_B5203; source_row=15700
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot established

Case facts

Business / ManagementPhysician

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

advanced degree or equivalent qualification

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner's degree was found equivalent to only three years of coursework toward a bachelor's degree, and work experience cannot compensate for the gap. The petitioner did not contest this finding on appeal.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
The petitioner's degree was found equivalent to only three years of coursework toward a bachelor's degree, and work experience cannot compensate for the gap. The petitioner did not contest this finding on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-24_01_B5203; source_row=15696
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / ManagementPhysician

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

national in scope

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner asserted ownership of companies with clients in foreign markets but did not explain how this arrangement benefits the United States on a national scale. Post-filing exhibits showed only continued business operations without distinguishing the petitioner from his peers.

Why this is useful

Identify the progress, resources, outside interest, or record-to-plan connection that AAO expected to see.

View full reasoning +
The petitioner asserted ownership of companies with clients in foreign markets but did not explain how this arrangement benefits the United States on a national scale. Post-filing exhibits showed only continued business operations without distinguishing the petitioner from his peers.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-24_01_B5203; source_row=15702
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / ManagementPhysician

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

license to practice the profession or certification for a particular profession or occupation

Why AAO was not persuaded

The FCC International Telecommunications Certificate is a corporate license required for every telecommunications carrier to conduct business lawfully; it is not an individual certification and does not distinguish average from exceptional workers in the field.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

View full reasoning +
The FCC International Telecommunications Certificate is a corporate license required for every telecommunications carrier to conduct business lawfully; it is not an individual certification and does not distinguish average from exceptional workers in the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-24_01_B5203; source_row=15699
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / ManagementPhysician

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

national interest substantially greater than a U.S. worker with minimum qualifications

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner measured his accomplishments by a non-U.S. scale of evaluation, which is irrelevant. He offered no objective comparison with competitors, no track record of job creation, and relied on speculative future success. Record inconsistencies further undermined the evidence's reliability.

Why this is useful

See which endeavor-specific facts mattered to the waiver analysis beyond a preference to self-petition.

View full reasoning +
The petitioner measured his accomplishments by a non-U.S. scale of evaluation, which is irrelevant. He offered no objective comparison with competitors, no track record of job creation, and relied on speculative future success. Record inconsistencies further undermined the evidence's reliability.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2013-01-24_01_B5203; source_row=15703
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
← Back to assessment