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
5 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- O-1ASports and athletics2018Dismissed
Dismissed · 6 criteria reviewed2 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AComputer science and AI2018Dismissed
Software engineer at memory storage company claimed extraordinary ability based on awards, judging, publications, and salary. AAO found judging and publications met but awards insufficient, original contributions unproven despite citations, and salary merely above median. Dismissed because only two criteria met and final merits lacking.
2 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AEnergy and climate2018Dismissed
A petroleum engineer and manager at a multinational company met three initial criteria but lacked national or international acclaim in the aggregate. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding his recognition limited to his employer rather than the field.
3 of 6 criteria metRead → - O-1AArts, design, architecture2018DismissedDismissed · 5 criteria reviewed2 of 5 criteria metRead →
- O-1ABusiness and management2018Dismissed
A mental training company petitioned to employ a life coach for O-1A classification in sciences. The appeal was dismissed because the beneficiary failed to meet the major award criterion and did not satisfy three of eight evidentiary criteria; testimonials and salary evidence lacked required corroboration and specificity.
0 of 8 criteria metRead →