This is an AAO appeal decision — a case denied once and appealed. It shows how the framework is applied; it is not the filing population.
The petitioner, an aircraft maintenance technician, sought to continue working as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. aviation industry.
Field: aircraft maintenance/aviation · Read the decision (uscis.gov)
EB-2 threshold — not met
Petitioner satisfied only two of the six exceptional-ability criteria (academic record and license/certification); failed to establish 10 years full-time experience at time of filing, membership in a qualifying professional association, or recognition for achievements/significant contributions.
How the evidence was treated
- resume experience · discounted
“Since the work experience at [ ] occurred after the time of filing, this time is not eligible to show at least 10 years of full-time experience”
AAO decision text - certification membership · discounted
“the limited evidence presented is not sufficient to demonstrate that... membership body has the necessary qualifications under this criterion”
AAO decision text - recommendation letter · discounted
“these statements are not supported by any evidence in the record which reflects that these letters represent noteworthy achievements and significant contributions”
AAO decision text - degree · credited
This record is one of thousands, each coded for the reasons it turned. A placement shows where your profile sits in that record, not what it predicts. See where your profile sits — 90 seconds →
Notable
AAO found the threshold exceptional-ability determination dispositive and expressly declined to reach the NIW/Dhanasar analysis, citing INS v. Bagamasbad and Matter of L-A-C- for the principle that agencies need not make advisory findings on unnecessary issues.
Authorities this decision leans on
From the doctrinal survivor set — 187 authority tests across 47 distinct authorities cleared the differential-lift gates. Only those appear here.
- 8 C.F.R. 103.2(b)(1)
- 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(2)
- 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(3)(ii)
- 8 C.F.R. 204.5(k)(3)(iii)
- Kazarian v. USCIS
- Matter of L-A-C-
- Visinscaia v. Beers
Cases in adjacent profiles
- The Petitioner, a mechanical engineer, proposed to advance thermal management solutions for high-power, compact, and rel
- The Petitioner, a senior engineering program manager specializing in electromechanical systems, proposed to advance moto
- The Petitioner proposed to provide innovative solutions to optimize freight and vessel operations in the U.S. shipping i
- The Petitioner, a sales manager, proposed an endeavor in the United States for which he sought an EB-2 national interest
- The Petitioner proposed to lead a nationwide initiative to develop and implement a standardized materials management mod