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-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
A music producer claimed extraordinary ability based on Latin Grammy nomination and collaboration with a Latin Grammy winner. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the nomination insufficient as a major award, web articles not qualifying published material, and the collaboration not demonstrating original contributions of major significance.
0 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
A musician petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO upheld the director's denial, finding the petitioner failed to meet at least three regulatory criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim necessary for the highest classification tier.
0 of 2 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-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
Actress sought extraordinary ability classification. Director found only one criterion met; AAO withdrew that finding and found published material and awards criteria not met, and exhibitions criterion inapplicable to performing artist. Overall evidence insufficient to show petitioner among small percentage at field top.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
Contemporary classical music composer petitioner claimed four criteria. AAO found awards lack proper foreign language translations and supporting evidence of competitive recognition. Remaining three criteria not analyzed. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
A film artist self-petitioner met the lesser nationally recognized prizes criterion but failed the membership criterion by claiming eligibility based on a single association without documentary support for criterion elements. With only one criterion satisfied, the AAO dismissed the appeal for insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability.
1 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
Motion picture or television industry professional petitioner claimed published material and display criteria under EB-1A. AAO upheld director's denial, finding petitioner failed to meet the plain language requirements of the published material criterion and did not satisfy the threshold of three qualifying criteria types. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing arts2012Dismissed
Perch pole balancing circus performer petitioner sought extraordinary ability classification. AAO found single award insufficient under plural requirement and rejected membership criterion. Petition dismissed because petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and placement among top performers in field.
0 of 3 criteria metRead →
