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
4 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsMay 2026Remanded
Remanded · 4 criteria reviewed3 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsFeb 2026Remanded
A composer claimed extraordinary ability in film and television composition. AAO remanded, finding three criteria met (published material, judging, scholarly articles) and requiring final merits determination. SCOPS erred by excluding educational work from initial criteria analysis when sufficiently related to composition work.
3 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsJan 2026Dismissed
Musician and singer seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed three criteria in record: awards, published material, and original contributions. All three were rejected: awards lacked evidence of national or international recognition, published material was insufficient, and contributions were undemonstrated. AAO declined to address exhibitions and leading role criteria raised for first time on appeal.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFilm, music, performing artsJan 2026Dismissed
An actor in television and films sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed five criteria including published material and commercial success. The AAO found only one criterion met and dismissed the appeal, finding insufficient evidence of national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.
1 of 7 criteria metRead →