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
28 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-2 NIWEnergy and climate2020Dismissed
Energy policy researcher with advanced degree sought NIW for EB-2. AAO found proposed energy research had substantial merit and national importance but dismissed appeal, concluding petitioner failed to demonstrate being well positioned to advance the endeavor without sufficient evidence of means or track record.
1 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWEnergy and climateDec 2019Sustained
A geosteering researcher with advanced degree sought national interest waiver of job offer requirement under Dhanasar framework. All three prongs were satisfied: substantial merit and national importance of research improving drilling operations, petitioner well positioned to advance work, and balance favors waiver. Appeal sustained.
3 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWEnergy and climate2018Dismissed
Petroleum engineer sought NIW as EB-2 with advanced degree. Met first Dhanasar prong: carbon sequestration research has substantial merit and national importance. Failed second prong: citation record and publications insufficient to show well-positioned status to advance proposed endeavor.
1 of 3 criteria metRead →