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.
degree, diploma, certificate, or similar award from a learning institution
Why the evidence was persuasive
AAO found the course certificates and training records from flight schools relate to the Petitioner's claimed area of exceptional ability and satisfy the plain language of the regulation.
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AAO found the course certificates and training records from flight schools relate to the Petitioner's claimed area of exceptional ability and satisfy the plain language of the regulation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-08-01_01_B5203; source_row=33053 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
exceptional ability final merits determination
What the decision said
AAO faulted the Director for failing to conduct or articulate a proper final merits determination addressing the totality of the evidence and remanded for a new decision.
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AAO faulted the Director for failing to conduct or articulate a proper final merits determination addressing the totality of the evidence and remanded for a new decision.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-08-01_01_B5203; source_row=33056 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The Petitioner's proposed endeavor was neither specific nor consistent, changing materially at each stage of proceedings. Material changes to a petition are not permissible, and generalized conclusory statements without specific impact evidence lack probative value. The record does not show 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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The Petitioner's proposed endeavor was neither specific nor consistent, changing materially at each stage of proceedings. Material changes to a petition are not permissible, and generalized conclusory statements without specific impact evidence lack probative value. The record does not show national importance.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-31_02_B5203; source_row=33043 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO agrees the endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance: the opinion letter and reference letters fail to address the specific endeavor's broader implications, and the business plan's revenue/staffing projections do not show substantial positive economic effects or significant U.S. job creation.
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 agrees the endeavor has substantial merit but lacks national importance: the opinion letter and reference letters fail to address the specific endeavor's broader implications, and the business plan's revenue/staffing projections do not show substantial positive economic effects or significant U.S. job creation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-31_03_B5203; source_row=33046 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The regulatory definition of 'advanced degree' encompasses 'any' foreign equivalent degree above baccalaureate, without requiring that the degree be in the same field as the proposed endeavor. The Petitioner's master's in higher education therefore qualifies.
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The regulatory definition of 'advanced degree' encompasses 'any' foreign equivalent degree above baccalaureate, without requiring that the degree be in the same field as the proposed endeavor. The Petitioner's master's in higher education therefore qualifies.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-31_02_B5203; source_row=33042 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot established
Case facts
Computer Science / AI
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Original contributions
original contributions of major significance
Why AAO was not persuaded
New appeal evidence was not considered because the Petitioner failed to submit it in response to the RFE. Even if considered, 10 cumulative citations and indirect citation logic are insufficient; access counts without comparative data or citation evidence do not demonstrate major significance; and the peer-reviewed article was not the Petitioner's own original contribution.
Why this is useful
Distinguish original work from evidence that the contribution had major significance across the field.
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New appeal evidence was not considered because the Petitioner failed to submit it in response to the RFE. Even if considered, 10 cumulative citations and indirect citation logic are insufficient; access counts without comparative data or citation evidence do not demonstrate major significance; and the peer-reviewed article was not the Petitioner's own original contribution.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-28_02_B2203; source_row=33036 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
Why AAO was not persuaded
The invitation to a seminar does not constitute an award or prize, and the only documented 'award' was an NSF grant to a university to support unnamed American scientists — not an award to the Petitioner personally. The NII News publication lacked a required English translation.
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The invitation to a seminar does not constitute an award or prize, and the only documented 'award' was an NSF grant to a university to support unnamed American scientists — not an award to the Petitioner personally. The NII News publication lacked a required English translation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-28_02_B2203; source_row=33034 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot established
Case facts
Computer Science / AI
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Leading / critical role
leading or critical role for distinguished organizations or establishments
Why AAO was not persuaded
The Petitioner relied on academic achievements and association memberships rather than demonstrating a leading or critical role. The HR letter from his employer lacked sufficient detail, and no evidence of distinguished reputation was provided for his employer. His IEEE membership post-dated the petition filing.
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The Petitioner relied on academic achievements and association memberships rather than demonstrating a leading or critical role. The HR letter from his employer lacked sufficient detail, and no evidence of distinguished reputation was provided for his employer. His IEEE membership post-dated the petition filing.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-28_02_B2203; source_row=33038 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
AAO disagreed with the Director and found the submitted evidence sufficient to establish that the Petitioner participated as a judge of others' work in the same or allied field.
Why this is useful
See how invitations, completed assignments, and the nature of judging were documented and weighed.
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AAO disagreed with the Director and found the submitted evidence sufficient to establish that the Petitioner participated as a judge of others' work in the same or allied field.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-28_02_B2203; source_row=33035 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Computer Science / AI
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
final merits determination
What the decision said
AAO declined to conduct a full final merits determination because the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold requirement of three criteria, but noted in the aggregate the record does not establish the required acclaim.
Why this is useful
Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO declined to conduct a full final merits determination because the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold requirement of three criteria, but noted in the aggregate the record does not establish the required acclaim.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-07-28_02_B2203; source_row=33041 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c