When considering the O-1 nonimmigrant visa, the category you apply in can make a huge difference. Why? Because even U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) acknowledges that the standard for extraordinary ability in the arts (O-1B) is lower than the standard for extraordinary ability in athletics (O-1A).

And this is the topic I want to talk about today…athletics versus art. Or maybe we should say, performance versus aesthetics.

Specifically, I hope to answer the question, should bodybuilding be considered an art or a sport? And how does this relate to the O-1 petition process? For those who think the answer is straightforward or easy—you might be surprised.