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

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EB-1AEB-1A · Commercial successNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Commercial success

commercial successes in the performing arts

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not challenge the Director's finding on this criterion on appeal, and AAO therefore considers it abandoned.

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The Petitioner did not challenge the Director's finding on this criterion on appeal, and AAO therefore considers it abandoned.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B2203; source_row=38446
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

Substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

The business plan and projected job creation do not establish that the Petitioner's work as a financial analyst would broadly impact the field of finance at a national level. The potential impact is limited to the company's customers and clients, and the chain from client profits to national economic impact is unsubstantiated.

Why this is useful

Compare how the decision separates a broadly important field from the prospective impact of the applicant’s specific work.

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The business plan and projected job creation do not establish that the Petitioner's work as a financial analyst would broadly impact the field of finance at a national level. The potential impact is limited to the company's customers and clients, and the chain from client profits to national economic impact is unsubstantiated.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38456
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Letters from employer(s) showing at least ten years of full-time experience

Why AAO was not persuaded

The reference letters and employment evidence cited post-date the January 2021 filing, so they do not establish eligibility as of the filing date.

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The reference letters and employment evidence cited post-date the January 2021 filing, so they do not establish eligibility as of the filing date.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38452
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

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

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO previously found this criterion satisfied; the prior finding was not disturbed on motion.

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AAO previously found this criterion satisfied; the prior finding was not disturbed on motion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38451
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Evidence of membership in professional associations

Why AAO was not persuaded

The 2023 memberships post-date the filing, and the pre-filing CORECON-PE membership was not supported by corroborating evidence confirming the source, veracity, and accuracy of the information in the Petitioner's statement.

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The 2023 memberships post-date the filing, and the pre-filing CORECON-PE membership was not supported by corroborating evidence confirming the source, veracity, and accuracy of the information in the Petitioner's statement.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38454
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Evidence of commanding a salary demonstrating exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

The new salary and bonuses were received in 2022 and 2023, after the petition was filed in January 2021, and therefore cannot establish eligibility at the time of filing.

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The new salary and bonuses were received in 2022 and 2023, after the petition was filed in January 2021, and therefore cannot establish eligibility at the time of filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38453
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Evidence of recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field

Why AAO was not persuaded

Post-filing book and presentation evidence does not establish eligibility at the time of filing. Pre-filing reference letters indicate only that the Petitioner is a capable and diligent worker but do not name any specific achievement or significant contribution to the field of finance.

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Post-filing book and presentation evidence does not establish eligibility at the time of filing. Pre-filing reference letters indicate only that the Petitioner is a capable and diligent worker but do not name any specific achievement or significant contribution to the field of finance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38455
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Advanced degree or foreign equivalent

Why AAO was not persuaded

The MBA was obtained in December 2021, after the petition was filed in January 2021, and therefore cannot establish eligibility at the time of filing. A visa petition may not be approved at a future date after a petitioner becomes eligible under a new set of facts.

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The MBA was obtained in December 2021, after the petition was filed in January 2021, and therefore cannot establish eligibility at the time of filing. A visa petition may not be approved at a future date after a petitioner becomes eligible under a new set of facts.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_02_B5203; source_row=38448
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

What the decision said

Because the Director failed to address this prong, AAO remands for analysis on whether the Petitioner is well-positioned to advance the endeavor.

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Because the Director failed to address this prong, AAO remands for analysis on whether the Petitioner is well-positioned to advance the endeavor.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_03_B5203; source_row=38467
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to waive the job offer requirement

What the decision said

AAO finds the Director's third-prong determination conclusory and remands for proper analysis.

Why this is useful

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AAO finds the Director's third-prong determination conclusory and remands for proper analysis.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-06-26_03_B5203; source_row=38468
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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