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
29 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- O-1ABusiness and management2016Dismissed
A yacht management company petitioned for O-1A classification for a beneficiary in business. The AAO found beneficiary met only one evidentiary criterion and dismissed the appeal, concluding she failed to demonstrate the extraordinary ability required.
0 of 7 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2016Sustained
A circus performer and motorcycle stunt artist claimed extraordinary ability in the arts. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding three regulatory criteria met: published material, original contributions via world record, and critical role for a distinguished organization. Final merits determination confirmed sustained international acclaim and elite status.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2016Dismissed
Dancer and choreographer self-petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed multiple regulatory criteria but satisfied only one: critical role at distinguished organization. AAO affirmed denial because only one criterion met, not three required, and overall evidence did not show sustained acclaim at top of field.
1 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AHealthcare, clinical2016Dismissed
A radiation oncologist seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed multiple criteria; AAO found three criteria technically met but dismissed the appeal, concluding the totality of evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement at the very top of the field of endeavor.
2 of 7 criteria metRead →
