O-1 Visas
O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa
O-1 Visas
If you have made high achievements in your area of work, you may qualify for an O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa. An O-1 nonimmigrant visa is reserved for those persons who are in the top percentage in their industry, which can include sciences, arts, education, business or sports. Examples of these types of industries include professional dancers, singers, musicians; athletes in all areas of sports including karate, golfing, tennis, basketball, jiu jitsu, soccer, football, baseball, rugby; professors, educators; top business leaders, etc.
There are three types of O-1 visas:
- O-1A – This is reserved for those who have sustained national or international acclaim and is one of a small percentage at the top of the field in sciences, sports, education, or business; or,
- O-1B in the Arts – This is reserved for those who work in the field of arts and have sustained national or international acclaim and have achieved distinction in their respective field;
- O-1B in Motion Picture or Television Industry – This is reserved for persons who have a record of extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industries. This person must demonstrate they have a very high level of accomplishment in this industry and this is usually evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above ordinarily encountered. This person should demonstrate they are recognized as outstanding, notable, or leading in the field.
O-1A - Science, Sports, Education, or Business:
Documentation for an O-1A visa that you are at the top of your field can include evidence that you have received a major internationally recognized aware OR satisfy at least three of the following categories:
- You have received a major, internationally recognized award;
- You are a member in an association that requires you to demonstrate your outstanding achievements;
- You have participated as a judge on the work of others in your area of work;
- You command a high salary or renumeration compared to others in the same field;
- Documentation that you have made original and major scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions in your field;
- Proof that you have authored scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media;
- Documentation that you have worked in a critical or essential capacity for organizations that have a distinguished reputation;
- Comparable evidence is any other evidence that does not readily fit into the above categories but can be used to help establish your eligibility for an O-1 visa.
O-1B - Arts:
Documentation for an O-1B visa in the arts that you are at the top of your field can include any three of any of the following categories:
- Documentation that you have performed and will perform services as a lead or starring participant in productions which have a distinguished reputation. This reputation is usually evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements;
- Documentation that you have been published in major media or professional publications about your national or international recognition for achievments. This can be evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, etc.;
- Documentation that you have performed and will perform services as a lead or starring role for organizations and establishments which have a distinguished reputation. This reputation is usually evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
- Documentation that you have a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes. Such evidence can include titles, ratings, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures, television ratings, and other achievements reported in major newspapers, trade journals, etc.
- Documentation that you have received significant recognition for your achievements from organizations, critics, governmental agencies, or other experts. These testimonials must establish the writer’s authority, expertise, and knowledge of your achievements;
- You command a high salary or renumeration compared to others in the same field;
- Comparable evidence is any other evidence that does not readily fit into the above categories but can be used to help establish your eligibility for an O-1B visa.
O-1B - Motion Picture or Television:
Documentation for an O-1B visa that you are at the top of your field in motion picturres or television includes documentation that you have demonstrated a record of extraordinary ability in this industry. Supporting documentation includes prizes or awards you have received or been nominated for. Examples include an award or nomination for an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy, Tony, etc. In addition, you must establish any of the above evidentiary criteria outlined for O-1B; however, you cannot rely on the comparable evidence category.
Next Step:
If, after reading these criteria, you are concerned whether you can establish you are extraordinary in your area of work, schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with this office and we can review your qualifications. Simply click on the button below and schedule your consultation.
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