O-1 Work Visa – US Visa for Established Professionals, Artists, and Athletes

The O-1 Work Visa category was created for people with extraordinary ability or achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion picture or television production — it is for leaders in the field. To be considered extraordinary in the U.S. government’s eyes, applicants need to properly document their accomplishments and contributions to their field.

Generally, before an O-1 petition can be approved, an advisory opinion from an appropriate consulting entity must be secured. USCIS provides a comprehensive, although not exhaustive, list of appropriate organizations for providing opinions, which can be found here.

Duration of Stay: The maximum length of the initial application is 3 years and extensions can be granted in increments of up to one year to continue the same activity.

Arts

To qualify for an O-1 Work Visa in the arts, the applicant must show the following:

• Won, or have been nominated for, a significant award; or
• At least three of the following:
  • Starred in distinguished productions.
  • Been nationally, or internationally, recognized for achievements.
  • Been a critical part of organizations that have a distinguished reputation.
  • Had major critical or commercial success.
  • Received significant recognition for achievements.
  • Received a high salary relative to others in the field.

Science, Education, Business, Athletics 

To qualify for an O-1 Work Visa in the field of science, education, business, or athletics, the applicant must show the following:

• Won, or have been nominated for, a major award; or
• At least three of the following:
  • Received awards for excellence.
  • Secured memberships in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members.
  • Published media about the applicant.
  • Judged others’ work in the field.
  • Made original contributions to the field.
  • Authored scholarly articles.
  • Been employed in a critical or essential capacity for companies that have a distinguished reputation.
  • Received a high salary relative to others in the field.

Movies/TV

To qualify for an O-1 Work Visa in the motion picture or television industry, the applicant must show the following:

• Won, or have been nominated for, significant awards; or
• At least three of the following:
  • Starred in distinguished productions.
  • Achieved national or international recognition for achievements.
  • Been a critical part of organizations with a distinguished reputation.
  • Had major critical or commercial success.
  • Received significant recognition for achievements.
  • Received a high salary relative to others in the field.

Looking for help securing an O-1 extraordinary ability Work Visa?

Silver Immigration can guide you through the process of obtaining a US Work Visa. Our team will help you understand your immigration needs and assist you throughout the process of successfully acquiring an O-1 Visa. Call us today at +1 (888) 799-4769 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an immigration lawyer.