Recent AAO Trends in NIW Adjudication

2023 AAO Trends Overview

Recent AAO decision trends show increased approval rates for healthcare professionals, with emphasis on pandemic-related contributions and public health impact.

Key Trends Identified

1. Healthcare Professionals

Higher approval rates for COVID-19 related research
Recognition of telehealth innovations
Value placed on rural healthcare contributions
Emphasis on addressing healthcare disparities

2. STEM Fields

Continued strong approval rates
Focus on AI and machine learning applications
Renewable energy research highly valued
Cybersecurity expertise in demand

3. Business and Entrepreneurship

More scrutiny on job creation claims
Need for concrete evidence of economic impact
Innovation must be clearly demonstrated
Market validation increasingly important

Positive Developments

More consistent application of Dhanasar standards
Recognition of diverse forms of impact
Appreciation for interdisciplinary work
Acknowledgment of pandemic-related challenges

Strategic Implications

For Healthcare Professionals

Emphasize public health impact
Document contributions to underserved populations
Highlight innovative care delivery models
Connect work to national health priorities

For STEM Researchers

Focus on practical applications
Demonstrate industry adoption of research
Show alignment with government initiatives
Provide evidence of commercial potential

For Business Professionals

Provide concrete economic impact data
Document job creation with evidence
Show innovation beyond routine business practices
Demonstrate market validation and traction

Areas of Increased Scrutiny

Vague claims about future impact
Recommendation letters lacking specificity
Insufficient evidence of national scope
Weak connection to national importance
Overreliance on job titles or positions

Looking Ahead to 2024

We expect continued emphasis on concrete evidence of impact, national scope, and alignment with U.S. priorities. Petitioners should focus on building strong cases with specific, quantifiable achievements and independent expert validation.