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. ...
How do I get an O-1 visa for the USA?
To get an O-1 visa, you need a U.S.-based agent, because foreign individuals can't petition for themselves. This agent can be a U.S. employer, a foreign employer working with a representative in the U.S., or a person who represents several employers.
Where can I apply for an O visa for non immigrants?
If we approve the petition is approved, you can apply for the relevant O visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For more information on visa application processing and issuance fees, see the Department of State ’s website. Form I-129, Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker.
How to apply for an O3 visa for a family member?
Your family members will have to apply for an O3 visa. The family members who can apply for visa to join you as dependents in the US are: They can apply at the same time as you or after you have already settled in the United States. The application process is similar to that of your own visa, but there is no petition required at the USCIS.

How hard is it to get O 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 get an 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.
How much does it cost to get an O-1 visa?
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).
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.
Who can sponsor O-1 visa?
Although the O-1 visa is contingent on you finding employment in the United States, your sponsor does not necessarily have to be your employer. Your sponsor can be your actual employer, an individual who represents you and your employer, professionally, or someone who acts on the behalf of you and your employer.
Does O-1 visa require interview?
Individuals already in the U.S. on a visa applying for an O1 do not need to complete an O1 visa interview, since they have already been interviewed at a U.S. embassy. While most other O1 visa applicants must complete an interview, it is not a requirement for all applicants.
Who qualifies for O-1 visa?
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses 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 ...
Does O-1 visa lead to green card?
Unlike most temporary US work visas, the O-1 visa offers holders a path to a Green Card. You can do this by making an application to change your status from O-1 to permanent resident, provided you meet the Green Card eligibility requirements.
How long is O-1 visa valid?
three yearsThe O-1 visa may be valid for an initial period of three years and may be extended indefinitely in one-year increments. J-1 visa holders may be able to obtain an O-1 visa even if they are subject to the two-year home residency requirement.
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.
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).
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.
Does O-1 visa lead to green card?
Unlike most temporary US work visas, the O-1 visa offers holders a path to a Green Card. You can do this by making an application to change your status from O-1 to permanent resident, provided you meet the Green Card eligibility requirements.
How much does an artist visa cost?
Regular Processing: $325. They will provide a response within 4 months. Premium Processing: The U.S. Government offers a premium processing service for additional $1225.
Can you work on an O2 visa?
The O2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for the assisting staff of the O1 visa holders. Only those who work in TV, film, and athletics are allowed to bring their personnel.
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 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 ...
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.
Who is an O-3?
O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
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.
What Is the O-1 Visa?
The O-1 visa is a temporary work permit for those with extraordinary talents or skills. It's an easy visa to get, but only if the job is set up ahead of time and the person doing the job has special skills that the position needs.
How Does the O-1 Visa Work?
The O-1 visa offers a lot of permissions you can't always count on otherwise. With this visa , you can live and work freely in the United States, at least as long as you stick with one job and keep up your relationship with your sponsor. You can also study as a part-time student if you want.
Who Sponsors an O-1 Visa?
To get an O-1 visa, you need a U.S.-based agent, because foreign individuals can't petition for themselves. This agent can be a U.S. employer, a foreign employer working with a representative in the U.S., or a person who represents several employers. This last option lets someone who works on contract or commission work in the United States without being a traditional employee. In fact, a U.S. agent is the only way for multiple employers to petition together instead of separately.
How Long Does an O-1 Visa Last?
An O-1 visa can be very short, or it can keep going indefinitely. It all depends on what the job is that the applicant wants and how long that job will last.
What happens if an O-1 visa ends?
Also, if the O-1 visa ends because the job does, the employer has to pay for the visa holder to go back home unless the holder resigns. Another distinction is that O-1 visas apply to almost every profession.
How long does it take to get a visa for a spouse?
You should also expect the process to take six to seven months, so plan with that in mind.
How long does it take to get an O-1 visa?
The employer or U.S. agent is responsible for legal and filing fees for the petition, but the visa applicant is responsible for visa fees and dependent costs like moving the spouse and children. You should also expect the process to take six to seven months, so plan with that in mind.
What is considered an O visa?
The Code of Federal Regulations defines a qualifying event for O visa status as “an activity such as, but not limited to, a scientific project, conference, convention, lecture, series, tour, exhibit, business project, academic year, or engagement.”.
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 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 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 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.
How to Apply for the O1 Visa?
The steps you and your employer must take when applying for an O1 visa are :
What are the requirements to get an O1 visa?
To qualify for an O1 visa, you must meet the following criteria, depending on your field of expertise: For science, education, business or athletics: You must have expertise that distinguishes you from others in the field. In other words, you must be one of the “top” percentages.
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 visa in Thailand?
There are several types of Visa Non Immigrant O Thailand, but at Thai Visa Expert, we predominantly focus on three types, the standard “O” visa, which, for example, is designed for visiting friends and family in Thailand, for receiving medical treatment, the Thai Dependent Visa or to do voluntary work. The “O-A” Thai Retirement Visa for those aged 50 years or over or the “O-X” 10 Year Thai Retirement Visa which is available to nationals of specific countries and has stricter requirements to the “O-A” Visa.
What is O-X visa?
The Non Immigrant Visa – Retirement (O-X) is suitable for those aged 50 or over who wish to stay in Thailand (without working) long-term. The visa is effectively two five year visas and is only available to passport holders from the following countries: Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. All of the above documentation is required, although the financial requirements are:
What general documents are required for a Visa Non Immigrant O Thailand?
Most of the documents required for a Non Immigrant O Visa for Thailand are the same and include:
What is non immigrant O visa?
There are various forms of Non Immigrant O Visa. They are primarily aimed at retirees or those looking to stay in the Kingdom for longer than a regular visa exempt stamp or Visa on Arrival. Of course, the rules are quite strict regarding who is eligible for these types of visa.
How long do you have to live in Thailand to get a non-O visa?
The person must reside in Thailand for a minimum of 60-days before applying for a Non O Visa Thailand. To apply for this visa, you will need to following documentation:
Can I extend my Thai visa to a long term visa?
If you have a Single Entry Non Immigrant Visa Thailand (Retirement) this can be extended in Thailand to a long-term visa. To apply for a Thai Non Immigrant O Visa Extension, you will need the following:
Can I get a non-immigrant visa in Thailand?
The various forms of Thai Non Immigrant O Visa are all designed to allow the holder to stay in Thailand for an extended period. The visas can be applied for at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country, a country neighbouring Thailand or in the Kingdom. When applying for a visa outside of Thailand, you will initially be granted a 90 day, Single Entry Visa Non Immigrant O for Thailand.
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant classification for people with extraordinary ability in science, arts, business, or athletics. It has two major subcategories: the O-1A and O-1B. As an engineer, you can apply for the O-1A subcategory, which is designated for science-related fields.
Why do foreign engineers get O-1 visas?
They obtained their visas because they were creative in organizing and presenting their academic qualifications and past achievements at different stages of their engineering careers to meet the requirements.
How long can an O-1 visa be extended?
Your stay may be extended in increments of up to 1 year indefinitely after the initial period of stay.
What do you need to include in an O-1 engineering job?
The itineraries must include the beginning and end dates of every event and activity you will be involved in during your stay.
What is the O-1 requirement?
The O-1 extraordinary ability requirement indicates that you possess an exceptional degree of skills and recognition that is not ordinarily encountered in your specific field of engineering.
Can an engineer get an EB-1 visa?
As an O-1 engineer, your credentials will likely be ideal for the first preference employment-based green card category, the EB-1 immigrant visa, which is also for applicants with extraordinary ability. The requirements are quite similar to the O-1 visa, meaning you may be able to use similar documentation and evidence to satisfy the criteria. Another interesting thing about the EB-1 green card is that you don’t need an employer to sponsor your petition. You can self-petition your status adjustment by submitting an I-140 petition to the USCIS.
Is the O-1 visa application process difficult?
The O-1 visa application process can be somewhat tricky due to its exclusive requirements. However, adhering to the following guidelines will significantly improve your chances of approval:
How long is a visa valid?
Validity of a visa: The Validity of a visa is 3 months.
Where is the Nigerian passport authenticated?
9.For Nigerian nationalities and passport holders, Certificate of Clearance from NDLEA and authenticated by The Ministry of Foreign Affair of Nigeria and Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria
What do you need to get an O-1A visa?
For the O-1A visa, you must be able to produce a renowned international award like a Nobel Prize or have evidence of three of the following items:
What is the O-1 Visa Processing Time?
Overall, the O-1 visa processing time is relatively short. There’s no need to wait for a Labor Certification Application nor are there specific dates that one must adhere to. The following is the breakdown and the estimated processing time for each stage of the O-1 visa application:
What Are the Steps?
In order to understand the O-1 visa processing time, we first need to walk through each step in the application process and determine how long each will take.
When Can I Apply for an O-1 Visa Extension?
The USCIS recommends that the application for nonimmigrant visa extension be submitted at least 45 days before the expiration of your authorized stay. Early application will help guard against having your status expire while the extension is still pending.
What is the most difficult visa to get?
The O-1 visa is one of the most difficult visas to obtain. In order to be considered eligible, you must fall into one of the following categories:
How long does an O-1 visa last?
O-1 visas are initially granted for an initial period of three years. After that, you will need to get an extension on your visa in intervals of one year each. Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of extensions you can receive.
How long does it take to get a visa interview?
While there are several steps leading to the visa interview which is the last stage of the application, fortunately, the interview itself can take as little as 20 minutes. After the visa interview, you will most likely receive a decision on your application. If the embassy grants you a visa, you can begin your travel plans and enter the United States to start working for your employer.
