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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.
EB-2 advanced degree or exceptional ability qualification
What the decision said
AAO declined to adjudicate the EB-2 threshold issue on appeal, instead remanding to the Director to issue a new decision that actually corresponds to the Petitioner, with guidance to evaluate the engineering-to-business-management qualification question and the quality of experience evidence.
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AAO declined to adjudicate the EB-2 threshold issue on appeal, instead remanding to the Director to issue a new decision that actually corresponds to the Petitioner, with guidance to evaluate the engineering-to-business-management qualification question and the quality of experience evidence.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-21_03_B5203; source_row=31106 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Leading / critical roleReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Leading / critical role
leading or critical role for organizations or establishments with distinguished reputation
What the decision said
AAO reserved analysis of criterion (viii) because even if the Petitioner were found eligible under it, he would still only meet two criteria (iv and viii), falling short of the required three.
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AAO reserved analysis of criterion (viii) because even if the Petitioner were found eligible under it, he would still only meet two criteria (iv and viii), falling short of the required three.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-21_02_B2203; source_row=31093 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The evidence supports that the Petitioner is a soccer coach and that, as part of his employment, he judges the performance of the soccer players he coaches.
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See how invitations, completed assignments, and the nature of judging were documented and weighed.
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The evidence supports that the Petitioner is a soccer coach and that, as part of his employment, he judges the performance of the soccer players he coaches.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-21_02_B2203; source_row=31091 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
EB-1AEB-1A · Final meritsReservedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Other
Issue evaluated
EB-1A · Final merits
final merits determination
What the decision said
AAO declined to conduct a formal final merits determination because the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold of three criteria at step 1. AAO rejected the Petitioner's argument that Buletini should govern over Kazarian, noting that district court decisions are not binding and that Buletini does not conflict with Kazarian in any event.
Why this is useful
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AAO declined to conduct a formal final merits determination because the Petitioner failed to meet the threshold of three criteria at step 1. AAO rejected the Petitioner's argument that Buletini should govern over Kazarian, noting that district court decisions are not binding and that Buletini does not conflict with Kazarian in any event.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-21_02_B2203; source_row=31094 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
NIWNIW · National importanceNot establishedAutomated extraction · broader context
Case facts
Civil / Structural Engineering
Issue evaluated
NIW · National importance
substantial merit and national importance
Why AAO was not persuaded
The AAO acknowledged the Petitioner's civil engineering work and the housing shortage context, but found that the recommendation letters did not offer persuasive detail on the national impact of his proposed endeavor, and he failed to show how his specific work—as opposed to his employer's—would have substantial positive economic effects at the national level.
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The AAO acknowledged the Petitioner's civil engineering work and the housing shortage context, but found that the recommendation letters did not offer persuasive detail on the national impact of his proposed endeavor, and he failed to show how his specific work—as opposed to his employer's—would have substantial positive economic effects at the national level.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-17_01_B5203; source_row=31085 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
Labor certification covers the same or similar position as the proffered job
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO held the Director applied the wrong legal standard ('same' instead of 'same or similar') and withdrew that finding, but determined the record was insufficiently developed to resolve the question. Remand was ordered to gather additional evidence about project management responsibilities, supervision of employees, wage level implications, and whether U.S. workers received proper notice during recruitment.
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Use the reasoning to identify the specific factual or documentary gap AAO considered material.
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AAO held the Director applied the wrong legal standard ('same' instead of 'same or similar') and withdrew that finding, but determined the record was insufficiently developed to resolve the question. Remand was ordered to gather additional evidence about project management responsibilities, supervision of employees, wage level implications, and whether U.S. workers received proper notice during recruitment.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-17_02_B5203; source_row=31088 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
final merits determination — sustained national/international acclaim at top of field
Why AAO was not persuaded
AAO found the awards were for innovation/entrepreneurship rather than field excellence; media coverage did not sufficiently establish acclaim tied to the Beneficiary personally; publications were dated and lacked evidence of continued research; 128 citations lacked comparative context; patents showed originality but not major significance; and a leading role at one company during a limited period did not establish sustained…
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AAO found the awards were for innovation/entrepreneurship rather than field excellence; media coverage did not sufficiently establish acclaim tied to the Beneficiary personally; publications were dated and lacked evidence of continued research; 128 citations lacked comparative context; patents showed originality but not major significance; and a leading role at one company during a limited period did not establish sustained acclaim. Participation in a French AI working group showed expertise but not top-of-field status.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-16_02_B2203; source_row=31074 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c
The proposed endeavor, as initially described, was working as a financial analyst for an employer—a role that does not extend beyond the employer and its clientele to impact the real estate industry or U.S. economy more broadly. The Petitioner's post-filing establishment of a new company constituted a material change to the petition and could not retroactively establish 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 proposed endeavor, as initially described, was working as a financial analyst for an employer—a role that does not extend beyond the employer and its clientele to impact the real estate industry or U.S. economy more broadly. The Petitioner's post-filing establishment of a new company constituted a material change to the petition and could not retroactively establish national importance. General assertions and industry statistics about the housing and real estate market do not establish national importance of the specific proposed endeavor.
Exact record locator: findings_long.parquet filename_stem=2023-02-16_02_B5203; source_row=31075 Revision: 081d2cac29dcadfec88fdd675d7a0c4294d72b3c