AAO Non-Precedent Decisions

The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) generally issues non-precedent decisions. These apply existing law and policy to the facts of a given case. A non-precedent decision is binding on the parties involved in the case, but does not create or modify agency guidance or practice. We do not announce new constructions of law nor establish agency policy through non-precedent decisions. As a result, non-precedent decisions do not provide a basis for applying new or alternative interpretations of law or policy. If you are looking for information regarding the AAO’s precedent decisions, which are binding and may announce new legal interpretations or agency policy, please click here.

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