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 6901–6910

NIWNIW · Well positionedReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

Well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

What the decision said

AAO reserved prong two as unnecessary given the dispositive failure on prong one.

Why this is useful

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

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AAO reserved prong two as unnecessary given the dispositive failure on prong one.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-03_05_B5203; source_row=34353
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

10 years full-time experience (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(B))

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO agreed that the submitted letters established more than ten years of full-time experience as an executive specializing in retail marketing.

Why this is useful

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AAO agreed that the submitted letters established more than ten years of full-time experience as an executive specializing in retail marketing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-03_05_B5203; source_row=34347
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material in professional or major trade publications or other major media

Why AAO was not persuaded

While the articles about the Petitioner included required title, date, and author information, the Petitioner failed to establish that any publication qualifies as major media. The self-reported circulation data from thepeninsulaqatar.com was self-serving and insufficient, and the Gulf Times printouts did not indicate circulation at all.

Why this is useful

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

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While the articles about the Petitioner included required title, date, and author information, the Petitioner failed to establish that any publication qualifies as major media. The self-reported circulation data from thepeninsulaqatar.com was self-serving and insufficient, and the Gulf Times printouts did not indicate circulation at all.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B2203; source_row=34323
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · AwardsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Awards

lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards

Why AAO was not persuaded

The record lacked sufficient objective evidence that the awards are nationally or internationally recognized. The 12th [REDACTED] award information came only from the organizer and did not establish recognition extending beyond the awarding organization. The [REDACTED] Foundation awards lacked documentary evidence of national or international recognition.…

Why this is useful

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

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The record lacked sufficient objective evidence that the awards are nationally or internationally recognized. The 12th [REDACTED] award information came only from the organizer and did not establish recognition extending beyond the awarding organization. The [REDACTED] Foundation awards lacked documentary evidence of national or international recognition. Certificates of appreciation or participation do not constitute awards or prizes for excellence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B2203; source_row=34321
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · MembershipNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Membership

membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements

Why AAO was not persuaded

The unsigned letter from the QFAA chairman had limited probative value and did not sufficiently detail requirements for outstanding achievements as a condition of membership. The description of membership criteria was broad and not accompanied by supporting evidence such as website information, constitution, or bylaws. The letter also failed to indicate whether recognized national or international experts judge membership.

Why this is useful

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

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The unsigned letter from the QFAA chairman had limited probative value and did not sufficiently detail requirements for outstanding achievements as a condition of membership. The description of membership criteria was broad and not accompanied by supporting evidence such as website information, constitution, or bylaws. The letter also failed to indicate whether recognized national or international experts judge membership.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B2203; source_row=34322
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot established

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO agreed that the Petitioner's submissions relied on general assertions about the IT industry and cybersecurity without specifically explaining how his work as a sales manager would have broader national implications.…

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 that the Petitioner's submissions relied on general assertions about the IT industry and cybersecurity without specifically explaining how his work as a sales manager would have broader national implications. The Petitioner's revenue figure benefited his employer but did not establish wider national significance, and describing a nationally important industry is insufficient to show that employment within it has national importance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B5203; source_row=34328
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

display of work at artistic exhibitions or showcases

Why the evidence was persuasive

AAO found the criterion met based on evidence that the Petitioner's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.

Why this is useful

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AAO found the criterion met based on evidence that the Petitioner's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B2203; source_row=34326
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · High remunerationNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

high salary or significantly high remuneration

What the decision said

AAO declined to consider this new eligibility claim raised for the first time on appeal, citing Matter of Soriano.

Why this is useful

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AAO declined to consider this new eligibility claim raised for the first time on appeal, citing Matter of Soriano.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B2203; source_row=34327
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance in the field

Why AAO was not persuaded

While the letters indicate the originality of the Petitioner's art project, the actual impact on the wider field was not established. The letters were largely conclusory and lacked specific detail about how the Petitioner's work remarkably influenced or impacted the field. One letter was unsigned and had limited probative value.

Why this is useful

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

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While the letters indicate the originality of the Petitioner's art project, the actual impact on the wider field was not established. The letters were largely conclusory and lacked specific detail about how the Petitioner's work remarkably influenced or impacted the field. One letter was unsigned and had limited probative value.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-02_01_B2203; source_row=34325
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 (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(D))

Why AAO was not persuaded

The invoices do not establish what the Petitioner's salary or remuneration is or how it demonstrates exceptional ability, and they post-date the petition filing.

Why this is useful

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

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The invoices do not establish what the Petitioner's salary or remuneration is or how it demonstrates exceptional ability, and they post-date the petition filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-11-01_02_B5203; source_row=34304
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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