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
2 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-2 NIWPhysics and astronomyMay 2023Sustained
A quantum optics researcher with PhD in physics seeks NIW for advanced STEM research. AAO sustained approval because the research has substantial merit and national importance per federal science policy, the petitioner is well positioned by education and track record, and the national interest in quantum research outweighs labor market protection.
3 of 3 criteria metRead → - EB-2 NIWPhysics and astronomyApr 2023Dismissed
A geologist sought EB-2 classification as an individual of exceptional ability together with a national interest waiver. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the petitioner met only some of the required exceptional ability criteria. The waiver was not reached under the Dhanasar framework, so the decision is not a substantive NIW ruling.
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