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
6 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1AArts, design, architectureDec 2019Dismissed
A fashion model claims extraordinary ability. She met only the judging criterion but failed awards, published material, original contributions, exhibitions, and leading role criteria. She lacked documentation for commercial success. With only one criterion met, she falls short of the three required.
1 of 9 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Dismissed
Music composer and trombonist seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in the arts. Met judging and artistic display criteria. Failed to establish leading critical role or high salary claims due to insufficient evidence of organizational distinction and inadequate compensation comparisons. Appeal dismissed for not meeting three required initial criteria.
2 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Dismissed
Digital graphics designer employed by a company seeks EB-1A classification claiming awards, published material, leading role, and high salary. AAO found only leading role criterion met. Award lacked proof of national recognition, articles were about company not individual, and salary lacked comparative evidence. Appeal dismissed.
1 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Dismissed
An architect from Georgia sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification in architecture and design. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding he satisfied no initial evidentiary criteria and lacked evidence of sustained national or international acclaim required for the classification.
0 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Sustained
A fashion model seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She claimed multiple criteria; the AAO found three criteria met (published material, exhibitions, high salary) and on final merits concluded the totality of evidence demonstrates sustained international acclaim placing her among the very top of the field.
4 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Dismissed
Record label petitions for creative director as EB-1A extraordinary ability in arts. Beneficiary met two criteria (leading role, high salary) but petition failed because petitioner could not demonstrate three minimum criteria: awards were not nationally recognized, membership lacked evidence of outstanding achievement requirements, and published material lacked proper documentation.
2 of 8 criteria metRead →
