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
30 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1AArts, design, architectureJan 2026Dismissed
Music director sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. On motion, claimed awards and judging participation without supporting evidence. AAO dismissed finding Latin Grammy participation certificate did not constitute a prize or award in musical director field and judging claims lacked corroboration.
0 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureJan 2026Dismissed
A modeling student petitioner claimed four EB-1A criteria but failed to provide properly certified translations of foreign language documents supporting awards, membership, and judging claims. The AAO affirmed dismissal because none of the criteria were sufficiently established, falling short of the required three.
0 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureJan 2026Dismissed
Novelist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO affirmed dismissal because petitioner met only two of ten criteria and failed to satisfy the required minimum of three. Membership criterion failed because published works do not constitute outstanding achievements; contributions criterion failed for lack of demonstrated major significance in field.
0 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architectureJan 2026Dismissed
A contemporary oil painter claimed seven criteria; service center found four met. AAO affirmed denial, concluding the petitioner's exhibitions lacked prestige evidence, judging was preliminary-level only, and achievements did not distinguish him from peers or demonstrate sustained acclaim or top-tier status.
3 of 8 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWArts, design, architecture2026Dismissed
Graphic designer seeks NIW classification. Proposed multiple inconsistent endeavors including consulting, training, nonprofit work, and design roles. AAO found petitioner shifted plans and failed to provide consistent, coherent, specific description supported by independent evidence. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 3 criteria metRead →
