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 24251–24260

EB-1AEB-1A · JudgingEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Judging

judging the work of others

Why the evidence was persuasive

The AAO found that the petitioner's peer review of six papers for one journal, two papers for another journal, a book chapter, and four conference papers as of the filing date meets the plain language of the regulation at 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(iv). However, concerns about its significance are addressed in the final merits determination.

Why this is useful

See how invitations, completed assignments, and the nature of judging were documented and weighed.

View full reasoning +
The AAO found that the petitioner's peer review of six papers for one journal, two papers for another journal, a book chapter, and four conference papers as of the filing date meets the plain language of the regulation at 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3)(iv). However, concerns about its significance are addressed in the final merits determination.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-28_01_B2203; source_row=13188
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Labor certification validity for area of intended employment

Why AAO was not persuaded

The AAO found on its own review that the certified labor certification specified one area of intended employment, while the Form I-140 stated a different area and various unanticipated locations. The two worksites fall in different MSAs, constituting a material change that invalidates the labor certification for the petition.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The AAO found on its own review that the certified labor certification specified one area of intended employment, while the Form I-140 stated a different area and various unanticipated locations. The two worksites fall in different MSAs, constituting a material change that invalidates the labor certification for the petition.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-28_01_B5203; source_row=13193
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Ability to pay the proffered wage

Why AAO was not persuaded

Even though the petitioner's net income could cover the proffered wage for the instant beneficiary individually, the petitioner failed to show it could pay the wage to all sponsored beneficiaries simultaneously, and the totality of circumstances—including the large number of petitions relative to company size—undercut the realism of the job offer.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
Even though the petitioner's net income could cover the proffered wage for the instant beneficiary individually, the petitioner failed to show it could pay the wage to all sponsored beneficiaries simultaneously, and the totality of circumstances—including the large number of petitions relative to company size—undercut the realism of the job offer.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-28_01_B5203; source_row=13192
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner's evidence in aggregate does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field. Judging experience was occasional and routine, original contributions lacked evidence of major significance, company lacked distinguished reputation, and no published material about the petitioner existed.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The petitioner's evidence in aggregate does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field. Judging experience was occasional and routine, original contributions lacked evidence of major significance, company lacked distinguished reputation, and no published material about the petitioner existed.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_01_B2203; source_row=13173
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role

Why AAO was not persuaded

While the petitioner demonstrated a leading or critical role for his own company, he failed to establish that the company has a distinguished reputation. Evidence for other organizations was insufficient to show either a leading/critical role or distinguished reputation.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
While the petitioner demonstrated a leading or critical role for his own company, he failed to establish that the company has a distinguished reputation. Evidence for other organizations was insufficient to show either a leading/critical role or distinguished reputation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_01_B2203; source_row=13170
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · MembershipNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership

Why AAO was not persuaded

Who's Who in America is a publication, not an association, and its selection criteria do not constitute outstanding achievements judged by recognized national or international experts. The teaching offer was post-filing and not membership in an association. The editorial board invitation relates to the judging criterion, not membership.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
Who's Who in America is a publication, not an association, and its selection criteria do not constitute outstanding achievements judged by recognized national or international experts. The teaching offer was post-filing and not membership in an association. The editorial board invitation relates to the judging criterion, not membership.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_01_B2203; source_row=13164
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions

Why AAO was not persuaded

While the director found the contributions significant, he failed to find them of 'major significance in the field.' The recommendation letters failed to show that contributions were widely applied or influential beyond select projects, and contained general statements without specific supporting evidence. Patent applications and conference presentations also did not establish major significance.

Why this is useful

Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.

View full reasoning +
While the director found the contributions significant, he failed to find them of 'major significance in the field.' The recommendation letters failed to show that contributions were widely applied or influential beyond select projects, and contained general statements without specific supporting evidence. Patent applications and conference presentations also did not establish major significance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_01_B2203; source_row=13167
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material

Why AAO was not persuaded

None of the submitted items constitute published material about the petitioner relating to his work in professional or major trade publications or other major media. Most items are about the petitioner's company or products, merely quote the petitioner, or lack required title/date/author. Internet accessibility alone does not make a website major media.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
None of the submitted items constitute published material about the petitioner relating to his work in professional or major trade publications or other major media. Most items are about the petitioner's company or products, merely quote the petitioner, or lack required title/date/author. Internet accessibility alone does not make a website major media.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_01_B2203; source_row=13165
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot established

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Foreign degree equivalency (master's vs. bachelor's)

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that EDGE, a peer-reviewed resource, confirms the Diplôme d'Ingénieur is comparable only to a U.S. bachelor's degree, not a master's degree. The credential evaluations submitted were inconsistent with EDGE and not supported by documentary evidence.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
AAO found that EDGE, a peer-reviewed resource, confirms the Diplôme d'Ingénieur is comparable only to a U.S. bachelor's degree, not a master's degree. The credential evaluations submitted were inconsistent with EDGE and not supported by documentary evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_03_B5203; source_row=13180
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

occupation qualifies as a profession

Why AAO was not persuaded

Graphic design is not listed among statutory professions and O*NET data shows nearly 20% of graphic designers lack bachelor's degrees, meaning a bachelor's degree is not a minimum entry requirement. The petitioner's self-employment context further undermines any argument that a degree is a de facto prerequisite.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
Graphic design is not listed among statutory professions and O*NET data shows nearly 20% of graphic designers lack bachelor's degrees, meaning a bachelor's degree is not a minimum entry requirement. The petitioner's self-employment context further undermines any argument that a degree is a de facto prerequisite.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-09-27_02_B5203; source_row=13178
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
← Back to assessment