O-1 (Extraordinary Ability)
Suitable for those with remarkable ability/skill within the sciences, arts, education, athletics or business
Those eligible to enter/work under the O-1 visa will be welcomed into the United States for the extraordinary abilities they demonstrate. To identify whether an individual is entitled to this visa, extensive documentation proving they meet required criteria must be provided.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for O-1 Extraordinary Ability Status?
The criteria for each field (sciences, arts, education, athletics or business) significantly differs. Dependent on the area in which you claim to have extraordinary skill, you must meet all relevant conditions – including those in television productions and motion pictures.
What Are the Exact Requirements for O-1A Status? (Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Athletics, Education or Business)
To be qualified as eligible for the O-1A visa category, you need to prove you have a ‘level of expertise that indicates you are one of a very small percentage who have risen to the top level of their particular field/endeavor’.
Documentary evidence to be submitted:
Receipt or nomination of an internationally recognized award on a major scale. This can include an Olympic medal, Pulitzer or a Nobel Prize
OR three or more of the following:
Receipt of internationally/nationally recognized award(s)
Published materials specific to your skills/achievements in major trade or professional publications
Confirmed membership to an organization that requires top-level achievement for membership to be granted
Original, authentic scholarly/scientific work of major significance in your chosen field
Critique/judgement of others’ work
Confirmation of creation/authorship of scholarly work
Receives or has received in the past a significantly higher salary than others in your chosen field
Evidence of employment in an essential/critical role at an organization/company with a top-level reputation
What Are the Exact Requirements for O-1A Status for Extraordinary Ability in the Arts
In order to establish true eligibility for this status regarding the arts, you must prove a ‘high level of achievement/skill in the arts, proven by a certain degree of recognition substantially greater than normally encountered’.
Documentary evidence to be submitted:
Receipt or nomination of a majorly recognized national/international award. This can include an Academy Award, Director’s Guild Award, Grammy or Screen Actors Guild Award
OR three or more of the following:
Proof of a lead role in a production with a top-level, distinguished reputation
Proof of a lead role in an organization with a top-level, distinguished reputation
Critical reviews of your ability/performances in trade journals or major tabloids
Significant evidence of major critically acclaimed or commercial success
Receives or has received in the past a high salary
Distinguished recognition from critics, organizations, government agencies or other highly established experts in your chosen field
What Are the Exact Requirements of O-1B Extraordinary Status in Television Productions or Motion Pictures?
Whilst featuring similar criteria to that of O-1A status, eligibility to work under O-1B requires a higher standard within the arts to be met.
Documentary evidence to be submitted:
Receipt or nomination of a majorly recognized national/international award. This can include an Academy Award, Director’s Guild Award, Grammy or Screen Actors Guild Award
OR three or more of the following:
Has performed or is confirmed to perform a lead, starring role in events or productions that have a highly distinguished reputation – as evidenced by professional critics
Proof of a lead role in an organization with a top-level, distinguished reputation
Evidence of achieving international or national recognition for achievements within your chosen art discipline
Significant evidence of major critically acclaimed or commercial success
Distinguished recognition from critics, organizations, government agencies or other highly established experts in your chosen field
Proof of a higher salary than ordinarily given
What Are Specific Examples of Evidence That Must Be Submitted as Part of Supporting an O-1 Visa Petition?
Advisory opinion from an expert source within your chosen field
Advisory opinion from a relevant managing organization or union
Previous awards
Contracts
Affidavits by previous/current employers or experts
Tax returns
Professional publications
I’m Seeking to Enter the US as an Athlete and Will Need to Bring My Coach With Me – What Visa Will They Require?
Those who wish to enter the US for the sole purpose of accompanying an O-1 visa holder, they need to apply for an O-2 visa.
What Are the Primary Criteria to Be Successfully Accepted for an O-2 Visa?
Evidence of playing an integral role in relevant events, games or performances
Proof of possessing critical skills/abilities that aren’t considered ‘ordinary’ in nature, and can’t be provided by other individuals. This criterion must not be based on simply having a long-standing working relationship with the O-1 visa holder in question.
Maintaining confirmed foreign residence they don’t intent to abandon
How Long Will O-1 and O-2 Visas Be Valid for?
Each individual case will be different dependent on the individual, meaning the period of time these visas will be granted depends on the total time necessary to fully complete the intended purpose of entering the US.
An O-1 visa will be valid for a maximum of 3 years at the beginning – this can be increased in 1-year increments if more time in the US is proven to be necessary.
You may enter the US for a time period of 10 days before your validity date, and can remain for a further 10 days following visa expiration.
Am I Able to Bring My Children and Spouse Under This Visa?
If you’re seeking to bring your spouse and children with you upon obtaining an O-1 visa, they will need to apply for O-3 visas.
If successful, they will all be permitted to stay in the US for the entire duration of your visa – but won’t be able to work during this time.
How Long Will It Take for My O-1 Visa Application to Be Processed?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Can I Provide a Self-petition for O-1 Status?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.