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
9 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- O-1ASports and athletics2017Dismissed
Dismissed · 3 criteria reviewed0 of 3 criteria metRead → - O-1AArts, design, architecture2017Dismissed
Dismissed · 4 criteria reviewed0 of 4 criteria metRead → - O-1AArts, design, architecture2017Dismissed
A car restoration company sponsored a Brazilian restoration designer and fabricator for O-1A visa. Director found one criterion met (significant recognition). Petitioner claimed five others on appeal. AAO found none met: no evidence of future lead role, no national recognition in major publications, no commercial success, and prospective salary not demonstrably high for the field.
0 of 5 criteria metRead → - O-1ASports and athletics2017Sustained
Sustained · 5 criteria reviewed4 of 5 criteria metRead → - O-1ASports and athletics2017Dismissed
A youth soccer academy petitions for O-1A classification for an experienced soccer coach. The academy claimed five criteria but satisfied none. The AAO upheld dismissal because the beneficiary failed to meet the threshold of at least three criteria through proper initial evidence.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - O-1ASports and athletics2017Dismissed
Dismissed · 5 criteria reviewed2 of 5 criteria metRead → - O-1AFilm, music, performing arts2017Dismissed
Actor in motion picture and television sponsored by talent agency for O-1 classification. Agency met only one of six regulatory criteria; decision found petitioner did not establish roles with distinguished reputation or organizations and did not satisfy three-criterion threshold required for extraordinary achievement in film and television.
Read → - O-1AArts, design, architecture2017Dismissed
An agent petitions for a professional photographer from Argentina seeking O-1A classification. Petitioner presented articles, testimonials, and work history as photographer. AAO found evidence failed to satisfy required evidentiary criteria: no significant award, no published recognition of individual achievements, no demonstrated lead role at distinguished organizations.
0 of 3 criteria metRead → - O-1AEducation and academia2017Dismissed
Dismissed · 6 criteria reviewed2 of 6 criteria metRead →
