Dismissed
O-1A
O-1A Dismissed — Ballroom Dance: the AAO reclassified the beneficiary's field of competitive
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Decision Summary
The appeal was dismissed because the AAO reclassified the beneficiary's field of competitive ballroom dance ('DanceSport') as a sport rather than an art, citing its recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Consequently, the AAO evaluated the petition under the more stringent O-1A standard for athletics, instead of the O-1B arts standard the petitioner had sought. The AAO then proceeded to adjudicate the appeal on a de novo basis under the athletics criteria.
See how a decision like this gets cited in an O-1A petition →Criteria Discussed
Arts Vs. Athletics Standard Receipt Of Major, Internationally Recognized Award Comparable Evidence Evidentiary Criteria For Aliens Of Extraordinary Ability In Athletics
📄 Original decision (USCIS PDF)
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