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
10 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1AEducation and academiaFeb 2011Dismissed
A scholar and researcher sought EB-1A classification, claiming three or more criteria. The AAO upheld the director's finding that published material about the petitioner was not submitted; citations alone do not meet the regulatory requirement. The AAO concluded the evidence does not demonstrate extraordinary ability, dismissing the appeal.
0 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureFeb 2011Dismissed
A watercolor artist claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A based on published material. The AAO found the evidence failed to meet regulatory requirements due to missing documentation and uncertified translations, and overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.
0 of 2 criteria metRead → - EB-1AOther2011Dismissed
Animal intuitive petitioner claimed extraordinary ability and filed self-petition. AAO affirmed denial, finding petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim or evidence of being in the small percentage at the very top of her field.
0 of 2 criteria metRead → - EB-1AFinance and economics2011Dismissed
A commodities trader claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. The AAO found the petitioner failed to meet three required evidentiary criteria and, even if one issue were resolved on appeal, the overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top of the field.
0 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1ALife sciences and medicine2011Dismissed
Employer-sponsored petition for postdoctoral research associate seeking EB-1A extraordinary ability. Petitioner met one criterion but failed final merits determination. The AAO found evidence insufficient to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or that petitioner rose to very top of field.
1 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1AData science and analytics2011Dismissed
The petitioner is an operations research analyst who sought extraordinary ability classification, claiming at least three regulatory criteria on appeal. The AAO dismissed the appeal, treating the published material claim as abandoned and concluding that the evidence overall did not show sustained national or international acclaim.
0 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1ABusiness and management2011Dismissed
Self-petitioner seeks EB-1A as financial manager in business. Met fewer than three regulatory criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim. AAO found evidence shows talent but does not demonstrate exceptional achievement setting petitioner significantly above others.
0 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1ALife sciences and medicine2011Dismissed
A neuroscientist filing for EB-1A extraordinary ability was denied. The petitioner established only the scholarly articles criterion but failed to meet three total criteria. The AAO found deficiencies in awards, published material about the applicant, and original contributions. The final merits determination concluded the evidence was insufficient for top-tier status.
1 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1ALife sciences and medicine2011Dismissed
Postdoctoral research scientist sought EB-1A classification. Claimed at least three criteria including membership and published material. AAO found membership requirement unmet and published material evidence insufficient, and concluded overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim required for extraordinary ability.
0 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2011Dismissed
Chef petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in culinary arts. Director found awards and leading role criteria met but rejected published material and high salary criteria. AAO dismissed appeal, finding petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in top percentage of field despite meeting two criteria.
2 of 5 criteria metRead →
