U.S. Visas: O-1

An O-1 visa used for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics or with a record of extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television production.

What are the Requirements for an O-1 Visa?
How Long is the O-1 Visa Valid?

What Are The Requirements For An O-1 Visa?

VISANOW can prepare and submit the O-1 visa petition if the O-1 Beneficiary is presently in the U.S. in valid status or if the Beneficiary is outside the U.S.

The following are the specific requirements for the 3 different categories in the O-1 visa petition:

Individuals with Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Education, Business or Athletics:

• Receipt of a major, internationally-recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or
• At least three of the following forms of documentation:
  1. Documentation of receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
  2. Documentation of membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
  3. Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the visa applicant, relating to the work in the field for which classification is sought. This must include the title, date, and author of the published material, and translation, if necessary;
  4. Evidence of participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same field or in an allied field of specialization;
  5. Evidence of original scientific, scholarly or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
  6. Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media;
  7. Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations/establishments with a distinguished reputation;
  8. Evidence of receiving a high salary or other remuneration for services.

These individuals must have achieved distinction in their field, a high level of achievement in the field of arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered. The Petitioner must show that the artist is prominent in his or her field of endeavor.

Individuals with Extraordinary Achievement in Motion Picture or TV Industry:

• At least three of the following forms of documentation:
• Nomination for or receipt of significant national or international awards or prizes (Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, or a Directors Guild Award); or Documentation of at least three of the following:
  • Past, current or future performance as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements;
  • National or international recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews of other published materials by or about the visa applicant in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
  • Performance in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation as shown by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
  • A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, or standing in the field, box office receipts, credit for original research or product development, motion picture or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;
  • Significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the visa applicant’s field. Such testimonials must clearly indicate the author’s authority, expertise, and knowledge of the visa applicant’s achievements; or
  • Evidence of a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field.
  • Other comparable evidence if the above standards do not readily apply to the occupation.

How Long Is The O-1 Visa Valid?

An O-1 visa holder is admitted to the U.S. for the duration of the event, production or activity but in any event, the initial admission period may not exceed 3 years. The O-1 visa status can be extended beyond the 3 year period, in 1 year increments