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
8 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1AArts, design, architectureJun 2026Dismissed
A wedding dress designer claimed six EB-1A criteria. AAO withdrew USCIS findings on three criteria and found none met. Published materials, exhibitions, and leading role determinations lacked sufficient evidence. Petitioner failed to establish three criteria threshold for extraordinary ability.
0 of 7 criteria metRead → - EB-1AComputer science and AIApr 2026Dismissed
Software engineering manager in cloud computing and AI-driven platforms sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed the appeal because although the petitioner met three initial criteria, the totality of evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or that he ranks among the very top of his field.
3 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
Employer-sponsored petition for performing artist seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability. Petitioner met only one criterion. The AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim and failure to meet the threshold of three evidentiary categories required for final merits determination.
1 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AMechanical and aerospace engineering2009Dismissed
An engineer and power plant chief of operations sought EB-1A classification claiming membership, published material, original contributions, and commercial success. The AAO found the beneficiary failed all criteria: no qualifying membership, no published material about him, letters alone cannot establish original contributions of major significance, and no evidence he drove company revenue. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2006Dismissed
Film and theater performer sought EB-1A classification through awards, membership, leading roles, and commercial success. AAO dismissed appeal, finding only one criterion met and evidence insufficient to show petitioner among small percentage at top of field.
1 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2006Dismissed
Performer in performing arts sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO found only one criterion met (leading critical role), falling short of three required. Awards lacked documentation, salary and commercial success unproven, published material lacking. Appeal dismissed.
1 of 9 criteria metRead → - EB-1AComputer science and AI2005Dismissed
IT educator and consultant seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability. Petitioner submitted certificates, CompTIA membership, articles, recommendation letters, and commercial success evidence. AAO found none met regulatory criteria; evidence demonstrated commendable local contributions but no sustained national or international acclaim at top of field.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2005Dismissed
A senior designer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The petitioner claimed published materials, original contributions, and commercial success. The AAO found one criterion met but concluded the overall evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top of the field, so dismissed the appeal.
1 of 4 criteria metRead →
