The O-1 visa is divided in several groups of visas targeting different professions and people:
- O-1A visa is for people who have shown extraordinary abilities in fields such as business, athletics, education, and science
- O-1B visa is for people who have shown extraordinary abilities in the arts and television and film industry
- O-2 visa is for the assistants or those accompanying the O-1A or O-1B visa holders
Full Answer
Who qualifies for an O-1 visa?
REQUIREMENTS FOR O-1 VISA PETITIONS
- Employer or Agent Sponsor. The O-1 visa requires a contract with a U.S. ...
- Advisory Opinion. O-1 visa petitions must also include an advisory opinion from a trade or consulting organization, or a reputable peer group stating that the individual does have a sustained ...
- Extraordinary Ability. ...
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. ...
Do I qualify for an O-1 visa?
You may qualify for an O-1 VISA if you have participated on a panel or as a judge of the work of others in the same or allied field of specialization. You may qualify for an O-1 VISA if you have an original scholarly, scientific, or business-related contribution of key significance in your field.
Is it possible to switch from O1 visa to H1B?
Yes, you can change status from O1 to H-1B. You can do this abroad or inside the United States. • The O1 visa and the H-1B isa are both non-immigrant visas. • The process of going from one non-immigrant visa status to another non-immigrant visa status is called a change of status.
What is an 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 achievements.
How to qualify for 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.
How to change employers on O-1?
If you are an O-1 nonimmigrant in the United States and want to change employers, the new employer must file Form I-129 with the USCIS office listed on the form instructions. If an agent filed your original petition, your new employer must file an amended petition with evidence showing they are your new employer and a request for an extension of stay.
What is an O-1B?
The O nonimmigrant classification are commonly referred to as: O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry); O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture ...
What is an itinerary for a petition?
Itineraries. The petitioner must provide an explanation of the nature of the events or activities, the beginning and ending dates for the events or activities, and a copy of any itinerary for the events or activities, if applicable. The petitioner must establish that there are events or activities in your field of extraordinary ability for ...
How long can an O nonimmigrant stay in the US?
As an O nonimmigrant, you may be admitted to the United States for the validity period of the petition, plus a period of up to 10 days before the validity period begins and 10 days after the validity period ends. You are only authorized to work during the validity period of the petition.
Who must provide a written advisory opinion from a peer group?
The Petitioner must provide a written advisory opinion from a peer group (including labor organizations) or a person with expertise in the beneficiary’s area of ability. If the O-1 petition is for an individual with extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television, the consultation must come from an appropriate labor union and a management organization with expertise in the beneficiary’s area of ability.
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 ...
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 an O-1A visa?
The O-1A visa is a special type of visa for special types of visitors to the United States. If you have exceptional ability in business, athletics, education, or science, then you may qualify for an O-1A visa.
What is the first requirement for an O-1A visa?
One of the first requirements of the O-1A visa is to have a job offer in the United States. The O-1A visa is an employer-sponsored visa. Your employer needs to file a petition to bring you to the United States.
How Long Does It Take to Process the O-1A Visa?
Processing times vary widely depending on the applicant and the workload of your local U.S. embassy. Generally, you can expect to wait anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to process your O-1A visa from beginning to end.
How Long Does My O-1A Visa Last?
The O-1A visa is typically granted for a three year period. You are permitted to work in the United States for this three year period, traveling in and out of the country as many times as you need.
What is the proof of extraordinary ability?
Proof that you have extraordinary ability in a particular field, including proof of awards or proof of membership in a prestigious organization (your employer will have also provided this information in the initial form I-129 filed to USCIS)
How old do you have to be to get an O-1A visa?
All O-1A visa applicants between ages 14 and 79 must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, a member of the embassy staff will verify the information on your application and make the final decision to approve or deny your O-1A visa. Schedule the interview with your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
What does it mean to be a member of a highly-distinguished association or organization?
Be a member of a highly-distinguished association or organization that requires members to have prestigious achievements, awards, or accomplishments
How long can an O-1 be approved?
The initial O-1 petition can be approved for up to three years, depending on the extent of your engagements in the U.S. If you have a continuing need to engage in long-term assignments, projects, or a group of related performances or activities, you might be able to receive extensions indefinitely.
How long before I can file for a nonimmigrant visa?
File Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) no more than one year before the visa is needed and at least 45 days before the date of employment.
How long is the O1A visa valid?
The initial time that the Embassy will grant the O1A visa is three years. During these three years , you can work in the U.S and travel in and out of the country as much as you need to. Just make sure you have your Form I-94 with you to grant you entrance into the country.
Can I bring my dependents with an O-1A visa?
Yes, you can bring your dependents to the U.S when you are on an O-1A visa. Dependents who qualify are your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old. They can apply for the O-3 visa, which is for dependents. With the O-3 visa, they can enroll in full or part-time study, but they cannot work. When your O-1A visa is extended, they also have to apply for extensions, and if you get the Green Card, they will also get this benefit.
Can I get a Green Card with an O-1A visa?
Going from an O1A visa to a Green Card is possible. Since you have proven that you have extraordinary abilities for the O1A visa, you qualify for the Green Card EB-1, which is for people who have high achievements and education. By applying for this type of Green Card, you have a higher chance of getting your permanent citizenship in the U.S.
What is an O1 Visa?
If you are considering bringing your career to the United States, you may be wondering “What is an O1 Visa?” The O1 Visa is for non-residents who demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, the arts, education, business, athletics, motion picture, or television industry. It could be considered the non-resident equivalent of the EB1-1 or “Extraordinary Ability Green Card,” which allows permanent residency for those at the top of their field. This does not mean the requirements of an O1 are lower than the EB1-1, though.
What is the O1 Visa Application Criteria?
As mentioned, the O1 Visa is primarily meant for those applying in the fields of motion picture, television, sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics because of their extraordinary ability. The requirements depend on the specific field of endeavor and whether the applicant is seeking an O1A or an O1B Visa.
What form do I need to apply for an O1 visa?
If you find that you meet the above criteria for an O1 Visa, you may begin your application. To begin the O1 process, the applicant needs to file Form I-129, or the Non-Immigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). USCIS is a part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whose primary function is to oversee the United States’ immigration system and naturalization process.
How much does it cost to get an O1 visa?
It costs $190 to file an O1 Visa application. The O1 Visa cost is required to move forward with the application. Aside from the application fee, you may be required to pay other fees depending on your residence. Once all your fees have been paid, it is important to keep receipts to prove you have paid all fees. You may also want to consider hiring a lawyer to help you through the application process, especially if you are not educated on O-1 Visas, which may add to your cost. Further, there are fees pertaining to processing, bringing dependents, etc. These are the things you should consider before you begin the application process. Contact our attorneys today and let us help you through this process.
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is for 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 achievements. The main O-1 categories are: 1 O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (excluding the arts, motion pictures or television industry) 2 O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry
What is an O-1B?
O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (excluding the arts, motion pictures or television industry) O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry. For each of these two main categories immigration officials ...
How to establish alien status?
The alien may establish qualification through evidence of nomination or receipt of a major, national or international recognized award such as an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, or a Director’s Guild Award. In absence of such an award one can establish himself as a qualifying alien through at least three of the following types of evidence:
Is an EB-1 petition the same as an O-1?
The requirements for an O-1 and EB-1 petition are different and an EB-1 petition has a much higher legal standard. This is particularly the case if you are in the O-1 (B) category.
