What is an O Visa?

O-1A foreign nationals are defined by statute as a person who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. You prove it by showing evidence of "sustained national or international acclaim."

The O-1B is used by foreign nationals in the motion picture or TV production business who have a record of extraordinary achievement.

What is extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics?

If you have won an international and prestigious award, that would be sufficient to enter the US in an O-1A category. If you have not won the Nobel Prize yet do not despair, you can still prove your extraordinary ability by showing you comply with some of these requirements:

1. have won a national or international award;
2. membership in an organization that recognizes outstanding achievement in your field;
3. published material about your work in important trade publications or professional journals;
4. Judging other peoples' work in your field;
5. author of significant works in the field;
6. authored and published scholarly work in your field ;
7. had critical role with a reputable organization; or
8. evidence that you will command a high salary in your field.
9. any other comparable evidence

What is extraordinary ability in the arts?

You would probably classify for O-1A status in the arts by being nominated or winning a significant national or international prize such as Grammy. If you have not won the Grammy yet but would like to enter in O-1A status, you can still prove your extraordinary ability by showing you complied with other requirements.

What is extraordinary ability in the motion picture or TV industry?

You would probably classify for O-1B status in the arts by being nominated or winning a significant national or international prize such as an Oscar. If you have not won an Oscar yet but would like to enter in O-1B status, you can still prove your extraordinary ability by showing you showing you complied with other requirements.

How do you qualify for O-2 status?

O-2s are granted to those who help an O-1 (A) or O-1(B) artist or an O-1 (A) athlete in their performance and have skills that are not of a general nature and cannot be performed by other people. You will also need an advisory opinion from the union and management group.

What is an O-3?

Spouses and children less than 21 years of age of an O-1 or O-2 status foreign national can live in the U.S. Spouses and dependent children under 21 cannot work in the U.S.

How can we help you?

We assess your case and consult with you about its strengths are weaknesses. We discuss other work visa options and the advantages and disadvantages of selecting those options as well as your short-term and long-term immigration goals to prepare sound case strategy under current immigration laws. We assist you in collecting advisory opinions and review your supporting evidence. We prepare and file documentation, and represent you before USCIS.

To learn if an O-1 Visa is right for you, please contact Immigration Attorney Maria M. Cordon to schedule an immigration consultation.