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-1APhysics and astronomyMar 2021Sustained
Company president and scientific instrumentation developer demonstrated extraordinary ability through peer review work, scholarly articles, leading roles with distinguished company, and original marine geology contributions. AAO sustained appeal finding sustained acclaim at very top of field.
5 of 5 criteria metRead → - O-1APhysics and astronomyFeb 2021Dismissed
A physicist employed by a university as assistant professor claimed extraordinary ability for O-1A visa. Petitioner met three criteria but AAO found insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim or place among small percentage at field's very top. Judging of nine journal articles and publication record lacked comparative evidence showing top-tier status.
3 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWPhysics and astronomyJan 2021Dismissed
Physics doctoral candidate seeking NIW for hypersonic technology research. AAO affirmed denial, finding proposed endeavor has national importance but applicant not well positioned to advance it. Master's degree and publications alone insufficient; lacked demonstrated role securing funding or generating field impact.
1 of 3 criteria metRead →