O-1 Visa Process and guidelines

O-1 Status is a non-immigrant status category for aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts (including the television and motion picture industry), education, business, or athletics. The O-1 visa is also available to those in motion pictures and television, and related visas are available to those who support the O-1 visa holder for their events and activities. The O-1 visa is a great way for foreign artists and entertainers to bring their talents to the United States. This is an employment related status that allows qualified aliens to live and work in the United States.

O-1 visas are valid for up to three (3) years. They may be extended in one-year increments for ongoing projects, and in some cases open the door to lawful permanent residency for the foreign national. Applicants for O-1 visas must demonstrate that they possess extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, athletics, or the motion picture or television industry. The applicant must show that s/he has achieved sustained or international acclaim and an extraordinary record of achievement. The applicant must demonstrate that s/he is coming to the United States to perform temporary services for an event or series of events.In some cases the O-1 petition must be filed by multiple future employers;and it can be filed by a foreign employer through a US agent. O-1 applicants may not self-petition.

Evidence for O-1 Visa Petitions:
To demonstrate international recognition and extraordinary ability in the business or sciences, the O-1 visa applicant may provide evidence that s/he is the winner of an internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or by demonstrating at least three of the following:
– Internationally or nationally recognized prizes or awards;
– Published material about your work;
– Membership in an association that requires members to have outstanding achievement;
– Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
– Authorship of scholarly articles published in any type of major media or professional journals;
– High salary or any other type of compensation;
– Participation on a panel, or as a judge for other people’s works;
– Evidence of past employment for organizations or establishments that have a high reputation.

To demonstrate international recognition and extraordinary ability in the arts and motion pictures and television, the O-1 visa applicant may also provide evidence that s/he is the winner of an internationally-recognized award, such as an Academy Award or a Grammy, or by demonstrating at least three of the following:
– Lead or starring role for productions or events with distinguished reputations;
– National or International recognition demonstrated by published material about your work;
– Lead, starring, or critical role for organizations or establishments with distinguished reputation;
– Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success;
– Significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field;
– High salary in relation to others in the field.

Let us know if we can assist you in your O-1 petition preparation.