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
3 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-2 NIWEnergy and climate2018Dismissed
Geophysicist seeking EB-2 national interest waiver for geophysical data processing consulting. Claimed work has substantial merit but lacks national importance because impact extends only to specific clients in oil and gas industry, not the field broadly. Appeal dismissed.
0 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-1AEnergy and climate2018Dismissed
A petroleum engineer and manager at a multinational company met three initial criteria but lacked national or international acclaim in the aggregate. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding his recognition limited to his employer rather than the field.
3 of 6 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWEnergy and climate2018Dismissed
Petroleum engineer sought NIW as EB-2 with advanced degree. Met first Dhanasar prong: carbon sequestration research has substantial merit and national importance. Failed second prong: citation record and publications insufficient to show well-positioned status to advance proposed endeavor.
1 of 3 criteria metRead →