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
84 decisions
Outcomes in these results
- Dismissed
- Remanded
- Sustained
- EB-1APhysics and astronomy2008Sustained
Scientist in physics research sought EB-1A extraordinary ability. Claimed at least three criteria including judging, original contributions in spintronics devices, and scholarly articles with 89 citations. AAO sustained, finding NSF review participation, innovative published research, and citation impact demonstrated sustained national acclaim and extraordinary ability.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2008Sustained
Self-petitioner painter sought extraordinary ability classification. Evidence included membership in Dokuritsu Art Association with national recognition requirements, exhibitions at Tokyo Art Museum and New York galleries, and published material. AAO found petitioner met three criteria, established sustained national acclaim, and showed plans to continue work in United States; petition approved.
4 of 11 criteria metRead → - EB-1AHealthcare, clinical2008Sustained
A pediatric cardiac surgeon and founder of a nonprofit cardiac surgery foundation seeks EB-1A classification. He claimed at least three regulatory criteria were met. The AAO found he satisfied the criteria and established sustained national acclaim as one of the small percentage at the top of his field, and would continue his work in the United States.
2 of 2 criteria metRead → - EB-1AOther2008Sustained
Employer-sponsored petitioner established extraordinary ability through meeting three regulatory criteria: awards, memberships, and scholarly articles with substantial citation impact. AAO found the total evidence demonstrated sustained national acclaim and pattern placing beneficiary among the very top in field. Petition approved.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AComputer science and AI2007Sustained
Telecommunications company petitioned for telecommunications engineer beneficiary as EB-1A. Beneficiary claimed original contributions via dispatch architecture invention. AAO found three criteria satisfied including original contributions and determined totality of evidence showed sustained national acclaim and extraordinary ability warranting approval.
2 of 2 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2007Sustained
Employer-sponsored blues musician petition. The AAO found beneficiary met at least three criteria through magazine awards, publications, gold records, and festival performances. Aggregate evidence demonstrated sustained national acclaim and extraordinary ability in the performing arts. Appeal sustained and petition approved.
5 of 5 criteria metRead → - EB-1AElectrical and electronic engineering2007Sustained
An electrical engineer petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in sciences. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding petitioner met three regulatory criteria through invention of significant microwave technology, substantial publications, and important contributions to the research field, demonstrating sustained acclaim.
4 of 4 criteria metRead → - EB-1AArts, design, architecture2006Sustained
A musician from the Philippines with national acclaim in the music industry petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO sustained the appeal, finding petitioner demonstrated intent to continue work in the United States through statement and employer letter, and would substantially benefit the U.S. arts based on past success.
2 of 2 criteria metRead → - EB-1ALife sciences and medicine2005Sustained
A neuroscientist claiming extraordinary ability in sciences submitted evidence of original contributions to signal transduction research, scholarly publications, and peer review activities. AAO found three criteria met and sustained overall merits, approving the petition.
4 of 4 criteria metRead →
