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-1AArts, design, architectureDec 2023Dismissed
Composer and singer self-petitioner claiming extraordinary ability sought EB-1A. Claimed five criteria but did not address director's rejection on appeal, waiving the issue. Director found evidence insufficient for all claimed criteria. AAO also found material fraud: falsified award certificate and fabricated film project with falsified supporting documents. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet criteria threshold and willful misrepresentation.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureAug 2023Dismissed
A pastry chef self-petitioner sought EB-1A classification based on extraordinary ability. The petitioner claimed four criteria on appeal. The AAO found the petitioner failed to meet three criteria initially required and did not reach additional claimed criteria. No evidence demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim or top-of-field status.
0 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureFeb 2023Dismissed
Musician-composer claiming extraordinary ability through invention of hybrid bass guitar and music compositions. Claimed four criteria but met only published material. AAO found original contributions lacked evidence of field impact and scholarly articles failed authorship and publication requirements. Appeal dismissed because fewer than three criteria established.
1 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureFeb 2023Dismissed
Fashion model with over a decade of experience and O-1 status claimed six regulatory criteria. Director found only judging criterion satisfied. AAO affirmed that petitioner failed to meet three criteria required for extraordinary ability, lacking major awards and failing to demonstrate sufficient impact through publications, original contributions, or critical roles.
1 of 8 criteria metRead →
