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.

Clear filters

10,847 decisions / 36,849 findings

Showing 871880

NIWlicense or certificationNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

license or certification

license or certification

Why AAO was not persuaded

The record does not show that a press pass or letter is required to perform the duties of an entrepreneurial producer and director, nor that press credentials are mandatory for journalists.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The record does not show that a press pass or letter is required to perform the duties of an entrepreneurial producer and director, nor that press credentials are mandatory for journalists.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_04_B5203; source_row=43974
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWacademic recordNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Computer Science / AI

Issue evaluated

academic record

official academic record

Why AAO was not persuaded

The record lacks evidence of completion of the program, lacks evidence of the entities' status as institutes of learning, and the certifications/programs do not relate to the claimed area of exceptional ability as an entrepreneurial producer and director.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The record lacks evidence of completion of the program, lacks evidence of the entities' status as institutes of learning, and the certifications/programs do not relate to the claimed area of exceptional ability as an entrepreneurial producer and director.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_04_B5203; source_row=43972
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Well positionedNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · Well positioned

well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO noted that how well-positioned the petitioner is to advance her endeavor is a second-prong consideration, but found no new supporting evidence was offered on motion.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
AAO noted that how well-positioned the petitioner is to advance her endeavor is a second-prong consideration, but found no new supporting evidence was offered on motion.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_03_B5203; source_row=43969
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · National importance

substantial merit and national importance

Why AAO was not persuaded

AAO found the Petitioner's recitation of personal qualities and references to prior evidence did not constitute new facts supported by evidence sufficient to overcome the prior dismissal on this prong.

Why this is useful

Compare how the decision separates a broadly important field from the prospective impact of the applicant’s specific work.

View full reasoning +
AAO found the Petitioner's recitation of personal qualities and references to prior evidence did not constitute new facts supported by evidence sufficient to overcome the prior dismissal on this prong.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_03_B5203; source_row=43968
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
NIWNIW · Waiver on balanceNot addressedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Finance

Issue evaluated

NIW · Waiver on balance

on balance, beneficial to the United States

What the decision said

The third prong was not discussed in this motion decision.

Why this is useful

See which endeavor-specific facts mattered to the waiver analysis beyond a preference to self-petition.

View full reasoning +
The third prong was not discussed in this motion decision.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_03_B5203; source_row=43970
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Published materialNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Published material

published material

Why AAO was not persuaded

Most submitted articles mention the Petitioner only briefly, providing name and title but not including substantial discussion of his work. The biographical profile printout was not established as a professional or major trade publication. The most substantive article lacks author credit and has an apparently promotional tone consistent with a press release, making it unable to meet the regulatory requirements.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
Most submitted articles mention the Petitioner only briefly, providing name and title but not including substantial discussion of his work. The biographical profile printout was not established as a professional or major trade publication. The most substantive article lacks author credit and has an apparently promotional tone consistent with a press release, making it unable to meet the regulatory requirements.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_06_B2203; source_row=43988
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleReservedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role

What the decision said

AAO reserved discussion of this criterion because it was the only criterion met and detailed discussion could not change the outcome of the appeal, as the Petitioner still falls short of the required three criteria.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
AAO reserved discussion of this criterion because it was the only criterion met and detailed discussion could not change the outcome of the appeal, as the Petitioner still falls short of the required three criteria.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_06_B2203; source_row=43991
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Original contributionsNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Original contributions

original contributions of major significance in the field

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not address the evidentiary deficiencies noted by the Director and did not overcome the Director's conclusions on appeal.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The Petitioner did not address the evidentiary deficiencies noted by the Director and did not overcome the Director's conclusions on appeal.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_02_B2203; source_row=43955
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Leading / critical role

leading or critical role for distinguished organizations or establishments

What the decision said

On appeal, the Petitioner requested reconsideration of all evidence but did not provide arguments or evidence to overcome the Director's concerns.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
On appeal, the Petitioner requested reconsideration of all evidence but did not provide arguments or evidence to overcome the Director's concerns.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_02_B2203; source_row=43958
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
EB-1AEB-1A · Artistic displayNot pursuedAutomated extraction · broader context

Case facts

Business / Management

Issue evaluated

EB-1A · Artistic display

display of the alien's work at artistic exhibitions or showcases

What the decision said

The Petitioner did not present arguments or evidence on appeal to overcome the Director's concerns.

Why this is useful

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

View full reasoning +
The Petitioner did not present arguments or evidence on appeal to overcome the Director's concerns.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2025-04-09_02_B2203; source_row=43957
Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Open source dataset ↗
Back to assessment