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 5951–5960

NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field

Why AAO was not persuaded

The letters praise the Petitioner's skills and abilities but do not specify achievements or significant contributions affecting the aviation industry as a whole. The three new letters on motion detail achievements but fail to explain how those achievements significantly affected the aviation field.

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The letters praise the Petitioner's skills and abilities but do not specify achievements or significant contributions affecting the aviation industry as a whole. The three new letters on motion detail achievements but fail to explain how those achievements significantly affected the aviation field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-07_01_B5203; source_row=35784
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Electrical / Electronic Engineering

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance

What the decision said

AAO did not separately resolve this criterion; remanded for the Director to determine whether at least three criteria are met.

Why this is useful

Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.

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AAO did not separately resolve this criterion; remanded for the Director to determine whether at least three criteria are met.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-07_02_B2203; source_row=35790
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · MembershipReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Electrical / Electronic Engineering

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in associations

What the decision said

AAO did not resolve this criterion; on remand the Director must re-evaluate whether at least three criteria are satisfied.

Why this is useful

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AAO did not resolve this criterion; on remand the Director must re-evaluate whether at least three criteria are satisfied.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-07_02_B2203; source_row=35788
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed the endeavor had substantial merit tied to IT and entrepreneurialism, but found no evidence that it would have an impact beyond the Petitioner's future clients, introduce novel technologies, or contribute to national cybersecurity beyond filling a general professional shortage.

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 had substantial merit tied to IT and entrepreneurialism, but found no evidence that it would have an impact beyond the Petitioner's future clients, introduce novel technologies, or contribute to national cybersecurity beyond filling a general professional shortage.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_03_B5203; source_row=35776
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · Final meritsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

final merits determination – exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

Although not required because the initial evidence threshold was not met, AAO conducted an alternative final merits review and found the totality of evidence did not establish expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the IT field.

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Although not required because the initial evidence threshold was not met, AAO conducted an alternative final merits review and found the totality of evidence did not establish expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the IT field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_03_B5203; source_row=35774
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWComparable evidenceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

Comparable evidence

comparable evidence of exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner failed to explain why the regulatory criteria do not readily apply to his occupation, which is a prerequisite for USCIS to consider comparable evidence. General assertions are insufficient.

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The Petitioner failed to explain why the regulatory criteria do not readily apply to his occupation, which is a prerequisite for USCIS to consider comparable evidence. General assertions are insufficient.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_03_B5203; source_row=35773
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AIBachelor’s

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found that the business plan's staffing projections were internally inconsistent and inflated by double-counting, and lacked supporting citations. General industry reports and background articles did not establish the national importance of the Petitioner's specific proposed endeavor.…

Why this is useful

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AAO found that the business plan's staffing projections were internally inconsistent and inflated by double-counting, and lacked supporting citations. General industry reports and background articles did not establish the national importance of the Petitioner's specific proposed endeavor. The company had not advanced beyond the conceptual stage, and the expert letter offered no elaboration on how the Petitioner's work would have broader national impact.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_02_B5203; source_row=35765
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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 concluded the Petitioner did not show her managerial work for a warehouse or plant rises to national importance, as it would not extend beyond her prospective employer or have substantial positive economic effects.

Why this is useful

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AAO concluded the Petitioner did not show her managerial work for a warehouse or plant rises to national importance, as it would not extend beyond her prospective employer or have substantial positive economic effects.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_04_B5203; source_row=35779
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

What the decision said

AAO does not reach the merits of prong one and remands for the Director to conduct a proper analysis.

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 does not reach the merits of prong one and remands for the Director to conduct a proper analysis.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_01_B5203; source_row=35762
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

commanding a salary demonstrating exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

While the Petitioner's earnings exceeded the average software developer salary in Brazil, the evidence did not show how his earnings compared with top earners in the field, did not account for regional differences, and the proper comparator was unclear because employer letters omitted job duties.

Why this is useful

Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.

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While the Petitioner's earnings exceeded the average software developer salary in Brazil, the evidence did not show how his earnings compared with top earners in the field, did not account for regional differences, and the proper comparator was unclear because employer letters omitted job duties.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-02-06_03_B5203; source_row=35770
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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