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 29312940

NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO disagreed with the Director on the substantial merit sub-element, finding the IT Specialist endeavor does fall within areas of merit contemplated by Dhanasar. However, AAO found the national importance requirement not met because the Petitioner failed to show how his employment would broadly influence the field beyond his prospective clients or create substantial positive economic effects at the national level.

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AAO disagreed with the Director on the substantial merit sub-element, finding the IT Specialist endeavor does fall within areas of merit contemplated by Dhanasar. However, AAO found the national importance requirement not met because the Petitioner failed to show how his employment would broadly influence the field beyond his prospective clients or create substantial positive economic effects at the national level.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_05_B5203; source_row=40609
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · MembershipNot established

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in professional associations

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO concluded that mere use of the word 'professional' does not establish a professional association, and Petitioner did not show his occupation requires a U.S. bachelor's degree or that the Trade Union has such a membership requirement.

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AAO concluded that mere use of the word 'professional' does not establish a professional association, and Petitioner did not show his occupation requires a U.S. bachelor's degree or that the Trade Union has such a membership requirement.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=40594
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · High remunerationNot established

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary or remuneration

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that the regulation requires showing that the high salary results from exceptional ability, and the record does not reflect that the Petitioner's salary was a direct result of exceptional ability.

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AAO found that the regulation requires showing that the high salary results from exceptional ability, and the record does not reflect that the Petitioner's salary was a direct result of exceptional ability.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=40593
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWrecognitionNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

recognition

recognition for achievements and significant contributions

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO affirmed its prior conclusion that the recommendation letters and workplace awards only demonstrate employer recognition rather than significant contributions to the field.

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AAO affirmed its prior conclusion that the recommendation letters and workplace awards only demonstrate employer recognition rather than significant contributions to the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=40595
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWlicense or certificationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

license or certification

license or certification

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew prior statements requiring governmental approval and excluding students, but concluded the bylaws did not show CPA-10 certification is required to practice the profession.

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AAO withdrew prior statements requiring governmental approval and excluding students, but concluded the bylaws did not show CPA-10 certification is required to practice the profession.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=40592
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWacademic recordNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

academic record

official academic record

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO affirmed prior determination, finding no new evidence and that counsel's unsubstantiated assertions are not evidence.

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AAO affirmed prior determination, finding no new evidence and that counsel's unsubstantiated assertions are not evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=40590
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWten years experienceEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

ten years experience

ten years of full-time experience

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO withdrew its prior conclusion and found that the Petitioner's duties at his prior employer have sufficient similarities to financial analyst/manager duties under O*NET to meet this criterion.

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AAO withdrew its prior conclusion and found that the Petitioner's duties at his prior employer have sufficient similarities to financial analyst/manager duties under O*NET to meet this criterion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_01_B5203; source_row=40591
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other3,000 papers

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

display of the alien's work at artistic exhibitions or showcases

Why the evidence was persuasive

Based on de novo review, AAO finds the testimonial letters and webpages show the Petitioner personally created and presented digital fashion works (collaborative avatar attire at C- and a digital dress at T-) at the exhibitions, and her creative roles at D- extend beyond administrative oversight.

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Based on de novo review, AAO finds the testimonial letters and webpages show the Petitioner personally created and presented digital fashion works (collaborative avatar attire at C- and a digital dress at T-) at the exhibitions, and her creative roles at D- extend beyond administrative oversight.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_02_B2203; source_row=40597
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWlicense or certificationNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

license or certification

license to practice profession or certification

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not address criterion (C) on appeal; AAO treated it as waived per Matter of O-R-E-.

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The Petitioner did not address criterion (C) on appeal; AAO treated it as waived per Matter of O-R-E-.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_07_B5203; source_row=40621
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · MembershipNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in professional associations

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not address criterion (E) on appeal; AAO treated it as waived per Matter of O-R-E-.

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The Petitioner did not address criterion (E) on appeal; AAO treated it as waived per Matter of O-R-E-.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-09-10_07_B5203; source_row=40623
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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