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-1AEducation and academiaJun 2025Dismissed
A professor seeks EB-1A visa. Appeal dismissed because petitioner satisfied only one of required three initial evidentiary criteria. Published material and artistic display criteria were not demonstrated; leading role criterion was not reached. Petitioner lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim.
1 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AEducation and academia2019Dismissed
Theater professor met three initial criteria: judging festivals, authoring one scholarly work, and directing theatrical performances. However, at final merits determination, the AAO found her achievements did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement among the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.
3 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AEducation and academia2017Dismissed
Spanish language teacher and specialist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability in education. Petitioner claimed six criteria but provided insufficient documentation for each. Director found only two criteria met; petitioner failed to meet the required three. AAO affirmed dismissal, finding no extraordinary ability demonstrated.
0 of 7 criteria metRead → - EB-1AEducation and academia2014Dismissed
A scientist filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability through original contributions, judging, and exhibitions. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding publications and conference presentations alone insufficient without evidence of major significance, and that the petitioner failed to meet the required three regulatory criteria.
0 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AEducation and academia2008Dismissed
A mass communications educator sought extraordinary ability classification in education. The director denied for lack of continued work in the field. The AAO upheld that, withdrew the director's favorable acclaim finding, and found the claimed criteria unmet and no showing of top-of-field standing, so the appeal was dismissed.
0 of 5 criteria metRead →
