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
5 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1ALife sciences and medicine2019Sustained
A radiology and radiological science researcher sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding she met four initial criteria and demonstrated sustained national and international acclaim through published work, high citations, innovative contributions to cancer research, and field recognition consistent with being among the very top.
5 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1ASports and athletics2019Sustained
Field hockey coach employed by university. Met three initial criteria: published material, leading critical role, and high salary. Final merits analysis found sustained national and international acclaim through coaching clinics, publications, and extensive recognition. Appeal sustained; extraordinary ability classification approved.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Sustained
A fashion model seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She claimed multiple criteria; the AAO found three criteria met (published material, exhibitions, high salary) and on final merits concluded the totality of evidence demonstrates sustained international acclaim placing her among the very top of the field.
4 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2019Sustained
A violinist met four criteria: awards for first place in international competition, published material in economic media about her win, judging, and leading role with multiple major orchestras. The AAO sustained, finding her international competition success, media coverage, and performances with distinguished orchestras demonstrate sustained acclaim and top-tier status.
5 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1ABusiness and management2019Sustained
An attorney specializing in claims management in the United Kingdom sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed three criteria: judging, leading role, and published material. The AAO sustained, finding all three criteria met and sustained international acclaim establishing him among the very top in his field.
4 of 5 criteria metRead →
