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-1AArts, design, architectureSep 2021Dismissed
A creative technologist employed in interactive multimedia displays petitioned for EB-1A classification. Two criteria were met: critical role and exhibitions. The AAO dismissed the appeal because only two of three required criteria were satisfied and final merits showed no sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level.
2 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureApr 2021Dismissed
A musician and composer claimed extraordinary ability through seven criteria. The AAO found only two criteria met: judging and exhibitions. The decision concluded the petitioner failed to establish three required criteria and therefore did not reach final merits analysis, dismissing the appeal.
2 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureApr 2021Remanded
Remanded · 6 criteria reviewed1 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureMar 2021Dismissed
Percussionist and founding band member sought EB-1A classification. Claimed five criteria; AAO found two met. Record reflects successful career with industry recognition but lacks evidence of sustained national or international acclaim placing applicant among top of field.
2 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureMar 2021Sustained
Art museum as employer-sponsor for curator beneficiary seeking extraordinary ability classification. Met judging, published material, and leading critical role criteria. Final merits determination sustained: beneficiary demonstrated sustained acclaim and recognition at top of field. Appeal sustained.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureMar 2021Dismissed
Industrial engineer sought EB-1A classification. Met four evidentiary criteria but AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner had not demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or achieved ranking among small percentage at top of field; appeared early in career.
4 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureJan 2021Dismissed
Senior UX designer claimed five criteria but met only one reliably. Awards lacked proven recognition; design displays served promotional rather than artistic purposes. Insufficient criteria met and no evidence of sustained national acclaim at field top.
1 of 6 criteria metRead → - O-1AArts, design, architecture2021Dismissed
Dismissed · 4 criteria reviewed1 of 4 criteria metRead →
