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 27112720

NIWexceptional ability otherNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

High salary or remuneration demonstrating exceptional ability

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not raise this criterion on appeal; it was therefore waived.

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The Petitioner did not raise this criterion on appeal; it was therefore waived.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_03_B5203; source_row=40979
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field

Why AAO was not persuaded

The recommendation letters attest to the Petitioner's experience and good work but do not speak to recognition for achievements or significant contributions to the broader industry. The contributions described are limited to his employers and do not establish a broader impact on the field.

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The recommendation letters attest to the Petitioner's experience and good work but do not speak to recognition for achievements or significant contributions to the broader industry. The contributions described are limited to his employers and do not establish a broader impact on the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_03_B5203; source_row=40981
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Advanced degree or equivalent qualification

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not raise this issue on appeal, so it was deemed waived and AAO declined to address it.

Why this is useful

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The Petitioner did not raise this issue on appeal, so it was deemed waived and AAO declined to address it.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_03_B5203; source_row=40975
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

License to practice the profession or certification

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner provided a commercial driver's license but not a license to practice his profession of CEO/logistics management. Although the Petitioner claimed a commercial driver's license is mandated for this profession, no evidence was submitted to support that claim. Additional training certificates do not constitute certifications for a profession or occupation.

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The Petitioner provided a commercial driver's license but not a license to practice his profession of CEO/logistics management. Although the Petitioner claimed a commercial driver's license is mandated for this profession, no evidence was submitted to support that claim. Additional training certificates do not constitute certifications for a profession or occupation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_03_B5203; source_row=40978
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

OtherBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Official academic record (degree)

What the decision said

This criterion was found met by the Director and not disputed; the waiver label reflects that AAO did not re-analyze it on appeal as the Petitioner did not raise it.

Why this is useful

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This criterion was found met by the Director and not disputed; the waiver label reflects that AAO did not re-analyze it on appeal as the Petitioner did not raise it.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_03_B5203; source_row=40976
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

What the decision said

AAO explicitly reserved judgment on prong two because the Petitioner failed to establish prong one, making a determination unnecessary.

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AAO explicitly reserved judgment on prong two because the Petitioner failed to establish prong one, making a determination unnecessary.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_01_B5203; source_row=40961
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to the United States

What the decision said

AAO explicitly reserved judgment on prong three because the Petitioner failed to establish prong one, making a determination unnecessary.

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AAO explicitly reserved judgment on prong three because the Petitioner failed to establish prong one, making a determination unnecessary.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_01_B5203; source_row=40962
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary or remuneration

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director found the high salary criterion met; AAO deferred further analysis to final merits.

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The Director found the high salary criterion met; AAO deferred further analysis to final merits.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_02_B2203; source_row=40965
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director found the Petitioner satisfied this criterion for one qualifying organization; AAO deferred further analysis to final merits.

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The Director found the Petitioner satisfied this criterion for one qualifying organization; AAO deferred further analysis to final merits.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_02_B2203; source_row=40964
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material

Why the evidence was persuasive

The Director found the published material criterion met; AAO deferred further analysis to final merits.

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The Director found the published material criterion met; AAO deferred further analysis to final merits.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-25_02_B2203; source_row=40963
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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