AAO Decisions Explorer · Free
Published AAO appeal decisions
Search the decisions the Administrative Appeals Office has published, narrow them by visa, criterion, field and year, and read our summary of each one with a link to the official PDF.

Decisions in the library
6,586
6,586 classified
Visa types
3
Years covered
2005-2026
Latest decision
Aug 31, 2026
Filters
31 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- O-1ABusiness and management2016Dismissed
A yacht management company petitioned for O-1A classification for a beneficiary in business. The AAO found beneficiary met only one evidentiary criterion and dismissed the appeal, concluding she failed to demonstrate the extraordinary ability required.
0 of 7 criteria metRead → - O-1ASports and athletics2015Dismissed
Dismissed · 9 criteria reviewed0 of 9 criteria metRead → - O-1AMarketing, media, communications2014Dismissed
A copywriter and creative supervisor sought O-1A classification; petitioner abandoned two criteria and failed to meet at least three of the remaining criteria. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding beneficiary did not qualify and comparable evidence was not applicable.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - O-1ASports and athletics2014Dismissed
An equestrian rider sought O-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner submitted ribbons and claimed membership but failed to establish three evidentiary criteria. The AAO found the evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.
0 of 4 criteria metRead → - O-1ALife sciences and medicine2014Dismissed
A scientist in the field of international development seeks O-1A classification. Petitioner claimed four criteria and established two: original contributions and scholarly articles. The decision found only two criteria satisfied; at least three are required. Appeal dismissed because beneficiary failed to demonstrate extraordinary ability at the top of the field.
2 of 9 criteria metRead → - O-1ABusiness and management2014Dismissed
Connecticut religious organization petitioned for O-1A beneficiary with extraordinary ability in business. The AAO affirmed denial because evidence failed to satisfy the published material criterion and petitioner did not establish eligibility under at least three required criteria.
0 of 9 criteria metRead →
