The steps you and your employer must take when applying for an O1 visa are:
- Your employer files a petition with the USCIS on your behalf.
- You file Form DS-160. ...
- You pay the O1 visa fees.
- You schedule an appointment for a visa interview with the nearest US mission.
- Gather the required documents.
- Attend the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate and submit the documents.
Full Answer
How do I apply for an O-1 visa?
How to Apply for the O1 Visa?
- Petition at the USCIS. Your employer or agent in the United States must complete and file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker to the USCIS , pay the ...
- File Form DS-160. The Form DS-160 is an online application form. ...
- Pay the O1 Visa Fee. ...
- Schedule an Interview. ...
- Gather the Necessary Documents. ...
- Attend the Interview. ...
Can I apply for an O1 visa on my own?
Yes, you can obtain an O-1 visa as an independent contractor. Keep in mind, however, that you are subject to the same requirements as other applicants. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an O-1 visa beneficiary may not petition for herself or himself.
Can I apply for Premium Processing of O1 visa?
For premium processing of O1 visa application, the O1 petition can be adjudicated within 15 calendar days by applying for premium processing. For an additional fee, the USCIS guarantees a prompt decision on your O1 petition. You will receive either an approval notice, a request for further evidence, or a notice of intent to deny the petition ...
How to complete your visa application form?
Complete the online visa application form, DS-160. The DS-160 is a U.S. Government on-line form and can only be completed at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC. Each applicant must complete this form before using any services on this website. Return to this website and complete the following application steps to schedule a Consular Section appointment.
How do I get an O-1 visa?
To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry, and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.
Can I apply for O-1 visa myself?
Can I petition for myself? No, an O-1 visa must be submitted by an agent or employer on behalf of the extraordinary ability individual. A foreign national cannot self-petition himself or herself for the visa.
Is it hard to get O-1 visa?
The approval rate for O-1 visas is quite high and generally between 80% and 95%, depending on the service center.
How long does it take to apply for O-1 visa?
about 2 weeks to 3 monthsAs stated, current processing times for O1 petitions with USCIS range from about 2 weeks to 3 months. The application process for an O1 visa involves submitting all required supporting evidence, along with the form I-129 and the I-129 O Supplement.
Can you apply for O-1 visa without a lawyer?
Unfortunately, you can't file for an O-1 visa on your own. Someone must file a petition for you. They must complete Form I-129 and file the petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Can I apply for an O-1 visa without an attorney?
To receive an O-1 visa, an employer must file form I-129 along with a written advisory opinion from an industry peer group or labor union. If an O-1 Visa is sought for someone in motion pictures or television a written advisory opinion must be obtained from a management organization and an appropriate labor union.
How much does an O-1 visa cost?
The standard processing fee of an O1 visa is $460. If you opt for premium processing, you will have to spend an additional $1,410 on top of the standard fee. The USCIS holds the right to either approve or deny your case. It can also ask for additional evidence (RFE).
Is O-1 visa better than h1b?
The H-1B visa is a good fit for foreign nationals in the early to mid-stages of their careers who hope to expand their experience by working in the U.S. The O-1 visa, on the other hand, is generally suited for people who have already advanced in their profession.
How many citations do I need for O-1 visa?
There is no magic number as to how many papers or citations in total would be a considered an acceptable number for the O-1A or EB1A.
How to Apply for the O1 Visa?
The steps you and your employer must take when applying for an O1 visa are :
What is an O1 visa?
The O1 visa for the US is a non-immigrant type of visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who have exceptional abilities or achievements in their field. Because it is aimed at individuals in science, education, or the arts, it is also referred to as an extraordinary ability visa or an artist’s visa.
How Long is the O1 Visa Valid?
Initially, the O1 visa is valid for a maximum period of three years. Then, if you need to be in the US longer, your employer or agent will have to submit a new application, along with:
What is an intracompany transferee visa?
L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa. This is the type of visa you need to apply for if you will transfer from a foreign company to a U.S-based company, where you will have a managerial or executive position, or have specialized knowledge.
What happens after the visa is over?
After it is over, you will have to wait for the visa to be processed, and you will soon hear about a decision.
What questions do you ask a visa officer?
On the date of your appointment, you have to hand in your documents as well as attend an interview with the visa officer. They will ask you questions about your qualifications, how long you have worked in your field, why it is necessary to go to the US to further your career, and other questions along these lines. The interview is one of the most important aspects of your visa application.
How much does it cost to file an I-129?
The application fee is $460.
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is for the individual who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
What is an O-1B?
O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry; O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance; and.
What is an O nonimmigrant?
The O nonimmigrant classification covers several categories: O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts); O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in ...
How to file for a petition with multiple employers?
How to File. To begin the petition process, your employer or agent must: Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation. If your employer is filing as an agent for multiple employers, they should read the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M , Chapter 3, about required conditions.
Who is an O-3?
O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
What is an O1 visa?
The O1 visa is available to people of extraordinary ability in the field of arts, science, education, business or athletics. You must have achieved a level of expertise indicating that you are among the few individuals who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.
Do you have to maintain a foreign residence to get a visa?
You do not have to maintain a foreign residence and show intent to return to your home country while applying for the visa
Who can get an O-3 visa?
The O-3 visa is available to the spouse and unmarried minor children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
What is the benefit of O-1 visa?
An important benefit of O-1 status is that it is a viable status to seek for immigrants with alien status subject to the two-year foreign residency requirement of the J-1 exchange visitor program.
What are 0-1 Visa Requirements?
employer, or a foreign employer through an agent of the U.S. on behalf of the beneficiary. The O-1 visa is a dual intent visa, which means the beneficiary can concurrently pursue permanent resident status while in the U.S. on O-1 without having to worry about preconceived intent issues. The O-1 visa is for outstanding workers in the sciences, arts, athletics, education, or business. A job offer from a U.S. employer is a basic requirement for the O-1 visa. There is no annual limit on the number of people who can receive O-1 visas.
What is the difference between an O-1 and an EB-1?
O-1 is a non-immigrant status or visa while an EB-1 (a) (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) is a petition of immigration under EB-1 category . I’m currently at J-1 status and subject to the two years residency at home obligation.
How long can an O visa be valid?
As an O visa nonimmigrant, the beneficiary may be admitted to the United States for the validity period of the petition for up to three years. The beneficiary may be admitted to the United States for a period of up to 10 days before the petition validity period begins and up to 10 days after the validity period ends but the beneficiary may only engage in authorized employment during the validity period of the petition and not during the 10-day periods. There is no maximum overall time limit in which the O visa holder may remain in O status as there are for some other temporary visa categories, but extension requests must be file timely if an O visa holder intends to remain inside the United States in O visa status.
How long can a beneficiary be granted an extension of stay?
If an extension of stay is filed by a new employer or by the same employer but for a new position, the beneficiary may be granted an extension of up to three years.
What to do before filing an O-1?
Prior to employer filing the O-1 petition, get an advisory opinion from a suitable consulting individual , such as a labor organization, peer group, or management organization. The advisory opinion should state whether an applicant is capable as an alien of extraordinary ability and whether such abilities are essential for the activities assumed. In certain cases, an advisory opinion may be waived or met by proof that such an opinion isn’t available.
What is an O-1 visa?
The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) decides whether an individual qualifies for O-1 classification. The O-1 visa is employer specific , which means that a US CIS approved petition submitted by the HIOonly authorizes the individual to work in the position specified in the petition filed by Harvard. An individual who has an O-1 approval from another employer is not eligible to work at Harvard. An O-1 visa holder may work for more than one employer, but each employer must file a separate visa petition. The employer will be liable for the reasonable cost of return transportation of the applicant abroad if the applicant is dismissed from employment by the employer before the end of the period of authorized admission. For questions, please contact the HIO.
How long is an O-1 visa valid?
O-1 visas are initially valid for up to 3 years and may be extended in one-year increments. To qualify as an individual of extraordinary ability a foreign national must show evidence of receipt of a major internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize or at least three of the following:
How long can you work after O-1 status expires?
If a petition is filed in a timely manner, an individual in O-1 status is authorized to continue to work and be paid for up to 240 days after the expiration of the current O-1 status.
What is a temporary worker visa?
A temporary worker visadesignated for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts or athletics; and individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries.
Where to get a Social Security number?
In order to apply for a Social Security Number, you must take your passport, Form I-797 (O-1 approval notice) and Form I-94 to the Social Security Administration office at 10 Fawcett Street, 1st Floor, Cambridge. At the Social Security Administration office, you must complete the SSN application form.
Can a non-immigrant get unemployment?
Under certain U.S. federal, state, county, and local laws, nonimmigrants and their dependents may qualify for “public assistance,” such as health insurance, subsidized housing, food assistance, or unemployment benefits. Accepting such benefits as a nonimmigrant visa holder can lead to inadmissibility to the United States due to reliance on “public assistance” under the Immigration and Nationality Act, this could ultimately result in denial of re-entry into the United States in the future. The nonimmigrant is responsible for understanding that certain types of benefits could qualify for “public assistance” and knowing the risks associated with enrolling and/or receiving such benefits.
Does the O-1 visa expire?
As an O-1 visa holder, you will have an expiration date on the Form I-94that should match the end date on the O-1 petition filed on your behalf. You are advised to print out a Form I-94via the above mentioned web site each time you make an entry to the United States. To maintain the O-1 visa status, you must continue to pursue the intended activity at Harvard University.
What is an O1 Visa?
The O1 visa is a work visa for highly accomplished individuals in a variety of specific fields.
How to prepare for an O1 visa interview?
If any of your answers are incorrect — intentionally or not — then your application is at risk of rejection. Practice with your spouse, and make sure your spouse is prepared as well if he/she must participate in the interview. If you’ve made it this far in the application process, then as long as your answers are truthful you have an excellent shot of obtaining an O1 visa .
How long is an O1 visa valid?
How Long is the O1 Visa Valid? O1 visas are initially valid for a 3 year period. Once 3 years passes, O1 visa holders can extend their visa for 1 year an indefinite number of times. To be eligible for an extension, though, your employer must demonstrate to the USCIS that your employment is still needed.
What is the form for a nonimmigrant visa?
All individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa must submit a Form DS -160 detailing your personal information and the reason for your visit. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation code.
How long does it take to get an O1 visa?
O1 visas are typically processed by the USCIS in two to three months. However, O1 applicants have the option of paying for faster processing. Premium processing costs $1,225, and your application will be processed within 15 days. You will receive an approval or denial notice once your application has been processed.
What happens at an O1 interview?
At your O1 interview, the embassy will record your biometrics and you will have to pay any remaining fees.
How much does it cost to get an O1 visa?
Applying for an O1 visa also involves a $190 filing fee. There may be other fees involved, depending on your country of origin. You will also need to keep the receipts from your filing payments since they will be used later in the application process.
