O-1 Visa
for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

There are three types of O visa. O-1A is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry). O-1B is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry. O-2 visa is for individuals who will accompany an O-1, artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance. O-3 visa is for individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1’s and O-2’s.

The artist may be  granted for a validity period up to three years. After first approval, the artist could apply for one year extension or a new three-year visa.

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Evidentiary Criteria for O-1A

O-1A is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.

Evidence that the beneficiary has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following:  

• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards

• Membership in associations in the field for which require outstanding achievements;

• Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about you and your work in the field;

• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions to the field;

• Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field;

• A high salary or other remuneration;

• Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others;

• Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.

• Comparable Evidence may be submitted where the above categories do not apply.

 

Evidentiary Criteria for O-1B

O-1B is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.

Evidence that the beneficiary has received, or been nominated for, significant national or international awards or prizes in the particular field, such as an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy or Director's Guild Award, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following:  

• Performed and will perform services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation;

• Achieved national or international recognition for achievements, as shown by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications

• Performed and will perform in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;

• A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes;

• Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts;

• A high salary or other substantial remuneration

• Comparable Evidence may be submitted where the above categories do not apply.

 

Petitioner: Agent or Employer

Petitioner is the party who files the request to USCIS to grant you O1 visa, therefore could legally work in the U.S. You can not be your own petitioner, it is forbidden by law.

If the Petitioner is an Agent who is not your actual employer:

• Agent could be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Corporation;

• Agent needs to provide Agent’s legal name; Individual’s Social Security Number or Corporation’s FEIN; Mailing Address; and Signatory’s name and title.

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We are dedicated to provide professional O visa service for a variety of artists, such as graphic designers, animators, multimedia artists, musicians, photographers, etc. Contact us today for a free consultation with the best O visa attorney in New York.