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
- EB-2 NIWBusiness and managementDec 2020Dismissed
A marketing manager sought NIW as EB-2. The AAO found he lacked the advanced degree requirement and failed the first Dhanasar prong: his proposed marketing work lacked national importance despite general industry need. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1ABusiness and managementMay 2020Dismissed
A firearms company sought extraordinary ability classification for its chief financial officer with prior international banking experience. AAO dismissed the appeal, finding beneficiary met only two of six claimed criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national acclaim or top-tier status.
2 of 7 criteria metRead → - EB-1ABusiness and managementApr 2020Dismissed
Attorney petitioner for management analyst beneficiary claimed four criteria; Director found two met. AAO affirmed only two met and rejected original contributions and leading critical role findings; appeal dismissed as threshold three criteria not satisfied.
2 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1ABusiness and managementFeb 2020Dismissed
Strategic consulting firm sponsored senior trade and diplomatic advisor. Three criteria met: scholarly articles, leading role, high salary. Published material and original contributions rejected; articles not about beneficiary, letters lacked specifics. Appeal dismissed.
3 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWBusiness and managementFeb 2020Dismissed
Healthcare and life sciences management specialist holding advanced degree sought national interest waiver of job offer requirement. Director approved advanced degree classification but denied waiver. AAO found proposed endeavor lacks substantial merit at national level because it extends only to employer and clients without broader field impact. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 3 criteria metRead →
