O-1B Appeals: Performing Arts
Last updated 2026-09-02
The AAO dismissed 100.0% of O-1B appeals from Performing Arts petitioners in published non-precedent decisions from 2004–2025 (n=54). The criterion most often at issue was Significant recognition.
Outcomes by Year
| Year | Dismissed | Sustained | Remanded | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 (—) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 (—) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 (—) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 (—) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 (—) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 | 3 (—) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2016 | 2 (—) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2015 | 7 (—) | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2014 | 4 (—) | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2013 | 3 (—) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 (—) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 (—) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2010 | 7 (—) | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2009 | 5 (—) | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2005 | 3 (—) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 (—) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Criteria Breakdown
| Criterion | In Dismissed | In Sustained | Total | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Significant recognition | 60 | 0 | 60 | 100.0% |
| Leading or critical role | 51 | 0 | 51 | 100.0% |
| Awards or prizes | 32 | 0 | 32 | 100.0% |
| High salary or remuneration | 21 | 0 | 21 | 100.0% |
| Commercial success | 19 | 0 | 19 | — |
| Sustained acclaim/extraordinary ability | 10 | 0 | 10 | — |
Example Decisions
Dismissed2025-01-31The appeal was dismissed because the AAO determined the beneficiary's dance competition awards were not significant nati
Dismissed2024-12-11The appeal was dismissed because the petitioner failed to demonstrate that the beneficiary met the minimum of three requ
Dismissed2024-09-27The appeal was dismissed because the petition's approval was revoked due to a 'gross error.' A new petitioner/employer w
Dismissed2022-12-29The appeal was dismissed because the petitioner incorrectly classified the beneficiary, a competitive ballroom dancer, u
Dismissed2022-03-24The motion to reconsider was dismissed because it failed to meet the procedural requirements. A motion to reconsider mus
Sample: published AAO non-precedent decisions collected from uscis.gov, 2004–2025. These are appeals, not all USCIS adjudications; approval rates here are not initial-filing approval rates. Read our full methodology.
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