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 24351–24360

NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Realistic/bona fide job offer

Why AAO was not persuaded

Because the petitioner failed to demonstrate ability to pay across multiple sponsored beneficiaries from the priority date onward, the job offer was not shown to be realistic.

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Because the petitioner failed to demonstrate ability to pay across multiple sponsored beneficiaries from the priority date onward, the job offer was not shown to be realistic.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-08-01_02_B5203; source_row=13084
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Continuing ability to pay the proffered wage

Why AAO was not persuaded

Petitioner submitted only 2004 and 2005 tax returns and 2006 quarterly Form 941 records; no 2007 or later financial information was provided, and no information was supplied regarding other sponsored beneficiaries despite filing 158 petitions.

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Petitioner submitted only 2004 and 2005 tax returns and 2006 quarterly Form 941 records; no 2007 or later financial information was provided, and no information was supplied regarding other sponsored beneficiaries despite filing 158 petitions.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-08-01_02_B5203; source_row=13083
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

other

Beneficiary possessed required advanced degree as of priority date

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the record showed only graduate coursework with no indication a Master's degree had been conferred by the July 30, 2007 priority date; documents from a later petition show the Master's was awarded on August 7, 2009.

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AAO found the record showed only graduate coursework with no indication a Master's degree had been conferred by the July 30, 2007 priority date; documents from a later petition show the Master's was awarded on August 7, 2009.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-08-01_02_B5203; source_row=13082
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWotherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

other

Labor certification job offer demonstrates advanced degree requirement

Why AAO was not persuaded

The ETA Form 9089 plainly lists 'none' as the minimum education required. USCIS must examine and apply the plain language of the certified labor certification and cannot consider the petitioner's claim that the selection was a mistake. No provision permits amending the petition on appeal to correct the deficiency.

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The ETA Form 9089 plainly lists 'none' as the minimum education required. USCIS must examine and apply the plain language of the certified labor certification and cannot consider the petitioner's claim that the selection was a mistake. No provision permits amending the petition on appeal to correct the deficiency.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-08-01_01_B5203; source_row=13080
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

artistic display

Why AAO was not persuaded

As a conductor, the petitioner performs rather than displays his work. Accepting that a performance artist's performances meet the display criterion would render the requirement to meet three criteria meaningless by collapsing it into the leading/critical role criterion.

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As a conductor, the petitioner performs rather than displays his work. Accepting that a performance artist's performances meet the display criterion would render the requirement to meet three criteria meaningless by collapsing it into the leading/critical role criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-07-29_01_B2203; source_row=13065
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · JudgingNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Judging

judging

Why AAO was not persuaded

The letter about the selection committee failed to establish that selecting applicants equates to judging the work of others. The invitation letter for auditions showed only an invitation, not actual participation as a judge, and failed to establish the role involved judging or was in the same or allied field.

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The letter about the selection committee failed to establish that selecting applicants equates to judging the work of others. The invitation letter for auditions showed only an invitation, not actual participation as a judge, and failed to establish the role involved judging or was in the same or allied field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-07-29_01_B2203; source_row=13063
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Commercial successNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Commercial success

commercial successes in the performing arts

Why AAO was not persuaded

Selling out 12 shows at a single local theater with approximately 1,600 seats is not indicative of commercial successes designed for a large market. The size and reputation of the venue are important and the petitioner failed to establish these performances reflect commercial success.

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Selling out 12 shows at a single local theater with approximately 1,600 seats is not indicative of commercial successes designed for a large market. The size and reputation of the venue are important and the petitioner failed to establish these performances reflect commercial success.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-07-29_01_B2203; source_row=13068
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination

Why AAO was not persuaded

The totality of evidence does not show sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field. The petitioner's single award, limited judging experience with students and amateurs, single association membership, one qualifying article, salary below the field average, and performances at a local theater collectively fall short of the extraordinary ability standard.

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The totality of evidence does not show sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field. The petitioner's single award, limited judging experience with students and amateurs, single association membership, one qualifying article, salary below the field average, and performances at a local theater collectively fall short of the extraordinary ability standard.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-07-29_01_B2203; source_row=13069
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary

Why AAO was not persuaded

The petitioner failed to submit primary evidence of salary and the comparison was based on a limited and selectively low sample. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the petitioner's salary is below average for music directors and composers in the United States.

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The petitioner failed to submit primary evidence of salary and the comparison was based on a limited and selectively low sample. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the petitioner's salary is below average for music directors and composers in the United States.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-07-29_01_B2203; source_row=13067
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

The AAO withdrew the director's finding because the regulation requires plural 'prizes or awards' and the petitioner only demonstrated one qualifying nationally recognized award. The masterclass award lacked primary evidence and unsworn letters are not affidavits. The finalist diploma was not a prize or award for excellence and the first-ever competition lacked demonstrated international recognition.

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The AAO withdrew the director's finding because the regulation requires plural 'prizes or awards' and the petitioner only demonstrated one qualifying nationally recognized award. The masterclass award lacked primary evidence and unsworn letters are not affidavits. The finalist diploma was not a prize or award for excellence and the first-ever competition lacked demonstrated international recognition.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2011-07-29_01_B2203; source_row=13060
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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