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
7 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1AComputer science and AIDec 2025Sustained
Data streaming platform petitioned for beneficiary as EB-1A extraordinary ability. Service center granted five criteria but denied on final merits. AAO sustained appeal, finding evidence demonstrates beneficiary's sustained national and international acclaim, placing him among small percentage at top of field.
6 of 7 criteria metRead → - EB-1ALife sciences and medicineNov 2022Sustained
Researcher in life sciences with doctoral degree from Chile sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. AAO found three criteria met: scholarly articles, original contributions, and judging. Final merits determination confirmed sustained national acclaim and revolutionary research impact on medical practice, warranting extraordinary ability classification.
4 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1ASports and athleticsSep 2021Sustained
A sports club petitioned for its coach, a former Olympic-level competitor, claiming extraordinary ability. The director accepted four criteria but denied on final merits regarding coaching recognition. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding the beneficiary reached the top as an athlete and sustained that acclaim as a coach.
5 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureMar 2021Sustained
Art museum as employer-sponsor for curator beneficiary seeking extraordinary ability classification. Met judging, published material, and leading critical role criteria. Final merits determination sustained: beneficiary demonstrated sustained acclaim and recognition at top of field. Appeal sustained.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1ALife sciences and medicine2019Sustained
A radiology and radiological science researcher sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding she met four initial criteria and demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim through published work, high citations, innovative contributions to cancer research, and field recognition consistent with being among the very top.
5 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1ASports and athletics2019Sustained
Field hockey coach employed by university. Met three initial criteria: published material, leading critical role, and high salary. Final merits analysis found sustained national and international acclaim through coaching clinics, publications, and extensive recognition. Appeal sustained; extraordinary ability classification approved.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2017Sustained
An architect with over 25 years experience sought EB-1A classification. The AAO found four criteria met: published material, exhibitions, leading role for distinguished organization, and high salary. The aggregate evidence demonstrated sustained national acclaim and placement among the very top of the field.
5 of 5 criteria metRead →
