Goal-First Reverse Engineering — Immigration Decision Tree (Study Tool)

Start from the client’s objective, then “reverse engineer” the forum and the Step 2 category. This is meant to complement Decision tree.

Intake

What is the client trying to achieve?

On exams, “Step 2” is easiest if you first write: Goal → Forum → Tool (visa, AOS, defense, naturalization).

Location controls which decision-maker you cite: DOS/9 FAM vs USCIS/PM vs CBP vs IJ.
Exam pitfall: the “best” Step 2 category can change when the goal changes. A “student” goal points to a different tool than a “green card” goal even with the same facts.
Reverse engineering

Goal → forum → tool → what to analyze

How to use this
Pick a goal and location, then follow the plan. When you want the full tree, open:

Study-only tool. Not legal advice.