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 8301–8310

NIWEB-1A · High remunerationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · High remuneration

Commanding a salary or remuneration demonstrating exceptional ability

Why AAO was not persuaded

The AAO found that the Petitioner's salary is determined by military rank and years of service, not by exceptional ability, and that comparison to entry-level or average salaries across all ranks is unpersuasive. A salary governed by a pay scale does not demonstrate exceptional ability.

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The AAO found that the Petitioner's salary is determined by military rank and years of service, not by exceptional ability, and that comparison to entry-level or average salaries across all ranks is unpersuasive. A salary governed by a pay scale does not demonstrate exceptional ability.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_02_B5203; source_row=32112
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWexceptional ability otherNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

exceptional ability other

official academic record (8 C.F.R. § 204.5(k)(3)(ii)(A))

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO withdrew the Director's finding because the diploma's stated specialization (programming in automated systems and electronic computers) does not relate to the Petitioner's area of exceptional ability, professional sewing, and the additional certificates were not from colleges, universities, or institutions of learning.

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AAO withdrew the Director's finding because the diploma's stated specialization (programming in automated systems and electronic computers) does not relate to the Petitioner's area of exceptional ability, professional sewing, and the additional certificates were not from colleges, universities, or institutions of learning.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_03_B5203; source_row=32119
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Final merits

Final merits determination (exceptional ability)

What the decision said

Because the Petitioner did not meet three initial evidentiary criteria, AAO was not required to conduct a final merits determination. AAO noted it reviewed the record in aggregate and found it insufficient, and also noted the Petitioner did not specifically address the Director's final merits determination on appeal.

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Because the Petitioner did not meet three initial evidentiary criteria, AAO was not required to conduct a final merits determination. AAO noted it reviewed the record in aggregate and found it insufficient, and also noted the Petitioner did not specifically address the Director's final merits determination on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_02_B5203; source_row=32115
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWacademic recordEstablishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

academic record

Official academic records (certificates/degrees)

Why the evidence was persuasive

Both the Director and AAO found this criterion satisfied based on the official academic records submitted.

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Both the Director and AAO found this criterion satisfied based on the official academic records submitted.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_02_B5203; source_row=32109
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWlicense or certificationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

license or certification

License to practice the profession or certification for a particular profession or occupation

Why AAO was not persuaded

The Petitioner effectively conceded that the two documents submitted are not licenses or certifications for the practice of a particular profession or occupation, and did not contest the Director's basis for denial.

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The Petitioner effectively conceded that the two documents submitted are not licenses or certifications for the practice of a particular profession or occupation, and did not contest the Director's basis for denial.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_02_B5203; source_row=32111
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWrecognitionNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Other

Issue evaluated

recognition

Recognition for achievements and significant contributions to the industry or field

Why AAO was not persuaded

The commendations and reference letters recognized the Petitioner for employer-specific services as a military police officer but did not demonstrate significant contributions to the broader security, military, or law enforcement field or the field encompassing his proposed endeavor. Letters praising broad impact were too vague to establish significant contributions beyond his specific employer.

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The commendations and reference letters recognized the Petitioner for employer-specific services as a military police officer but did not demonstrate significant contributions to the broader security, military, or law enforcement field or the field encompassing his proposed endeavor. Letters praising broad impact were too vague to establish significant contributions beyond his specific employer.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_02_B5203; source_row=32114
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · EB-2 baselineNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · EB-2 baseline

advanced degree professional qualification

What the decision said

AAO found the Director's denial deficient because it ignored the Petitioner's credential evaluation and provided no explanation for why it was insufficient. AAO remanded for a new decision addressing this evidence.

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AAO found the Director's denial deficient because it ignored the Petitioner's credential evaluation and provided no explanation for why it was insufficient. AAO remanded for a new decision addressing this evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_01_B5203; source_row=32105
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

What the decision said

AAO found the Director's conclusions were bare and failed to explain the reasoning behind finding no substantial merit or national importance. AAO remanded for a properly reasoned decision.

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AAO found the Director's conclusions were bare and failed to explain the reasoning behind finding no substantial merit or national importance. AAO remanded for a properly reasoned decision.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_01_B5203; source_row=32106
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to the United States

What the decision said

AAO found the Director's third-prong analysis was equally conclusory and unsupported, requiring remand for adequate explanation.

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AAO found the Director's third-prong analysis was equally conclusory and unsupported, requiring remand for adequate explanation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_01_B5203; source_row=32108
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

What the decision said

AAO found the Director's conclusion was conclusory and lacked specific reasoning, warranting remand for a more detailed explanation.

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AAO found the Director's conclusion was conclusory and lacked specific reasoning, warranting remand for a more detailed explanation.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-05-11_01_B5203; source_row=32107
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
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