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 6171–6180

NIWNIW · National importanceReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

What the decision said

AAO reserved this prong as failure on the underlying EB-2 classification was dispositive.

Why this is useful

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AAO reserved this prong as failure on the underlying EB-2 classification was dispositive.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-16_01_B5203; source_row=35458
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWlicense or certificationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

license or certification

license to practice or certification (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(C))

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed the post-filing CDL cannot establish eligibility, and additionally noted the record does not show how a CDL is required to work as an independent business owner in cargo transportation and logistics.

Why this is useful

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AAO agreed the post-filing CDL cannot establish eligibility, and additionally noted the record does not show how a CDL is required to work as an independent business owner in cargo transportation and logistics.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-16_01_B5203; source_row=35453
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWacademic recordEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

academic record

official academic record showing degree or diploma

Why the evidence was persuasive

Both the Director and AAO agreed that the Petitioner satisfied criterion A.

Why this is useful

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Both the Director and AAO agreed that the Petitioner satisfied criterion A.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-16_04_B5203; source_row=35464
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWlicense or certificationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

license or certification

license to practice profession or certification for profession or occupation

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner raised criterion C for the first time on appeal, which is procedurally disfavored. He also failed to identify which evidence would be comparable to the licensing criterion or how it would qualify.

Why this is useful

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The Petitioner raised criterion C for the first time on appeal, which is procedurally disfavored. He also failed to identify which evidence would be comparable to the licensing criterion or how it would qualify.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-16_04_B5203; source_row=35465
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · High remunerationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

evidence of commanding a high salary or remuneration

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner raised criterion D for the first time on appeal without identifying which evidence would satisfy it.

Why this is useful

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The Petitioner raised criterion D for the first time on appeal without identifying which evidence would satisfy it.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-16_04_B5203; source_row=35466
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot established

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Qualifying advanced degree or foreign equivalent

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the equivalency evaluation by A-W- unreliable because (1) the teaching certificate was not titled with Brazilian master's-level credential titles per EDGE, and (2) the baccalaureate transcript showed exemptions for three semesters without explanation, casting doubt on whether the Petitioner completed a four-year program equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree.

Why this is useful

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AAO found the equivalency evaluation by A-W- unreliable because (1) the teaching certificate was not titled with Brazilian master's-level credential titles per EDGE, and (2) the baccalaureate transcript showed exemptions for three semesters without explanation, casting doubt on whether the Petitioner completed a four-year program equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-12_02_B5203; source_row=35420
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

salary or remuneration demonstrating exceptional ability (D)

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO acknowledged the translator certification was in the record but found that the evidence did not show how the Petitioner's earnings compared to others in his field to demonstrate exceptional ability.

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AAO acknowledged the translator certification was in the record but found that the evidence did not show how the Petitioner's earnings compared to others in his field to demonstrate exceptional ability.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-12_05_B5203; source_row=35434
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

advanced degree professional qualification

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the credential evaluations conclusory and unsupported, and the AACRAO EDGE database confirms a 3-year Titulo de Licenciado is not equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree; combinations of education and experience cannot substitute.

Why this is useful

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AAO found the credential evaluations conclusory and unsupported, and the AACRAO EDGE database confirms a 3-year Titulo de Licenciado is not equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree; combinations of education and experience cannot substitute.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-12_05_B5203; source_row=35432
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot established

Case facts

Environment / Energy

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO concluded the Petitioner failed to show the endeavor would have broader implications for the solar industry or substantial positive economic effects. Importance of the field itself is not enough; the Petitioner must show his specific endeavor has national importance.

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 concluded the Petitioner failed to show the endeavor would have broader implications for the solar industry or substantial positive economic effects. Importance of the field itself is not enough; the Petitioner must show his specific endeavor has national importance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-12_04_B5203; source_row=35429
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot established

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

Official academic record showing advanced degree or foreign equivalent

Why AAO was not persuaded

The expert evaluation letter was not in accord with the underlying records: the baccalaureate transcript showed unexplained exempt semesters raising doubts about equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate, and the teaching certificate was not a Brazilian master's degree credential.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The expert evaluation letter was not in accord with the underlying records: the baccalaureate transcript showed unexplained exempt semesters raising doubts about equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate, and the teaching certificate was not a Brazilian master's degree credential.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2024-01-12_01_B5203; source_row=35415
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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