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 5401–5410

NIWNIW · Well positionedReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

What the decision said

AAO reserved consideration of the second prong because the first prong is dispositive of the appeal.

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Identify the progress, resources, outside interest, or record-to-plan connection that AAO expected to see.

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AAO reserved consideration of the second prong because the first prong is dispositive of the appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-29_01_B5203; source_row=36683
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to waive job offer requirement

What the decision said

AAO reserved consideration of the third prong because the first prong is dispositive of the appeal.

Why this is useful

See which endeavor-specific facts mattered to the waiver analysis beyond a preference to self-petition.

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AAO reserved consideration of the third prong because the first prong is dispositive of the appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-29_01_B5203; source_row=36684
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot established

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

High salary or significantly high remuneration

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that the bank statements were not translated into English as required by 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3), the translator's certification does not confirm the statements list client names or cosmetology payments, the Petitioner apparently works approximately 1,100 miles from Moscow making Moscow-region salary comparisons inapt, and the salary data lacks context regarding experience and seniority.

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AAO found that the bank statements were not translated into English as required by 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(3), the translator's certification does not confirm the statements list client names or cosmetology payments, the Petitioner apparently works approximately 1,100 miles from Moscow making Moscow-region salary comparisons inapt, and the salary data lacks context regarding experience and seniority.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_01_B2203; source_row=36632
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot established

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

Leading or critical role for distinguished organizations

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the recommendation letters do not establish a leading or critical role for any organization with a distinguished reputation. One letter references training a colleague but does not identify the employing organization. Another characterizes the Petitioner's role as 'assistant' at a single surgery.…

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AAO found the recommendation letters do not establish a leading or critical role for any organization with a distinguished reputation. One letter references training a colleague but does not identify the employing organization. Another characterizes the Petitioner's role as 'assistant' at a single surgery. A third letter contains conflicting statements calling the role both 'critical' and describing the Petitioner as an 'assistant,' without establishing the organization's distinguished reputation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_01_B2203; source_row=36631
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsNot established

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

Final merits determination – sustained national or international acclaim

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO reviewed the record in the aggregate and found it does not demonstrate the sustained national or international acclaim required, and that the Petitioner is not among the small percentage at the very top of the field.

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AAO reviewed the record in the aggregate and found it does not demonstrate the sustained national or international acclaim required, and that the Petitioner is not among the small percentage at the very top of the field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_01_B2203; source_row=36638
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Major awardNot established

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Major award

One-time major internationally recognized award

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO affirmed the Director's conclusion that the record does not establish the Petitioner received a one-time achievement of a major, internationally recognized award. The Petitioner did not challenge this on appeal.

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AAO affirmed the Director's conclusion that the record does not establish the Petitioner received a one-time achievement of a major, internationally recognized award. The Petitioner did not challenge this on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_01_B2203; source_row=36627
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · MembershipNot established

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the document the Petitioner quoted was the RSPRAS Charter, not a membership certificate, and her actual membership certificate identifies her only as an 'active member,' not an honorary member. Even if she were an honorary member, the record does not establish that 'significant contribution' equates to 'outstanding achievements' or that the voters are 'recognized national or international experts.'

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AAO found the document the Petitioner quoted was the RSPRAS Charter, not a membership certificate, and her actual membership certificate identifies her only as an 'active member,' not an honorary member. Even if she were an honorary member, the record does not establish that 'significant contribution' equates to 'outstanding achievements' or that the voters are 'recognized national or international experts.'
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_01_B2203; source_row=36628
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed the endeavor lacked national importance. A general dental shortage, local clinic operations, unsubstantiated revenue projections, HUBZone location (unsupported and self-disqualifying), and vague training plans do not demonstrate prospective impact at the national level. The analysis must focus on the specific endeavor, not the general importance of dentistry.

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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AAO agreed the endeavor lacked national importance. A general dental shortage, local clinic operations, unsubstantiated revenue projections, HUBZone location (unsupported and self-disqualifying), and vague training plans do not demonstrate prospective impact at the national level. The analysis must focus on the specific endeavor, not the general importance of dentistry.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_05_B5203; source_row=36668
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Medicine / Clinical

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

advanced degree qualification

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew the Director's finding, concluding that the credential evaluator improperly combined a bachelor's degree with two lato sensu certificates (which lead to professional certificates, not graduate degrees) to reach a DDS equivalency, when the regulation requires a single foreign equivalent doctoral degree.

Why this is useful

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AAO withdrew the Director's finding, concluding that the credential evaluator improperly combined a bachelor's degree with two lato sensu certificates (which lead to professional certificates, not graduate degrees) to reach a DDS equivalency, when the regulation requires a single foreign equivalent doctoral degree.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_05_B5203; source_row=36667
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · MembershipNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in professional associations

Why AAO was not persuaded

AOPA was not demonstrated to be a professional association for EB-2 purposes, as none of the submitted evidence established that AOPA requires its members to hold a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent as a minimum qualification for membership.

Why this is useful

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AOPA was not demonstrated to be a professional association for EB-2 purposes, as none of the submitted evidence established that AOPA requires its members to hold a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent as a minimum qualification for membership.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-03-28_03_B5203; source_row=36661
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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