O-1 Visas

PERSONS WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY OR ACHIEVEMENTS

The O-1 non-immigrant visa permits temporary employment of individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

The different O visa classifications are as follows:

-O-1A: individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion picture or television industry);

-O-1B: individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, or extraordinary achievement(s) in the motion picture or television industry;

-O-2: Assistants to O-1A or O-1B individuals and must be accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance.  In the case of an assistant for an O-1A, the O-2’s assistance must be an “integral part” of the O-1A’s activity. For an O-1B, the O-2’s assistance must be “essential” to the completion of the O-1B’s production. The O-2 worker has critical skills and experience with the O-1 that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance of the O-1; and

-O-3: individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1’s and O-2’s.

Eligibility Criteria

Sustained national or international acclaim in their chosen field is a key requirement for an O-1 visa. Moreover, this accomplished individual must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in that area of extraordinary ability.

Extraordinary ability in the fields of:

-Science, education, business or athletics:  requires demonstration that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

-The arts: is demonstrated by showing “distinction,” which rises to the extent that a person described as prominent is renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts.

To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, the beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered to the extent the person is recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

Contact the Paruthipattu Law Firm Today for Help:

The preparation and submission of successful O-1 visa requires comprehensive analysis of the individual’s accomplishments and the supporting evidence.  Direct evidence is, of course, is most helpful.  Commonly however, the availability of direct evidence is extremely limited. In such cases, the successful outcome of an O-1 visa depends on providing persuasive alternative evidence.  Determining the strength and relevance of the alternative evidence and the use of such evidence persuasively is key to success.  The firm can help you.  Please contact the office for guidance.