Do you dream of working in the US but think the O-1 Visa is only for showbiz stars? It's time to change that perspective! The O-1 Visa is your passport to a professional life full of possibilities. Imagine living and working in the US indefinitely, building your future without limits. You only have to meet three or more specific criteria, and best of all, we will guide you every step of the way.
What is the O-1 Visa?
The O visa is designed for individuals who have outstanding achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business, or sports, or who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in the film and television industry. These individuals have also received national or international recognition. If you are a leader in your field and ready to take your career to the next level, this is your opportunity.
O-1 Visa Subcategories
O- 1A: For people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (excluding the arts, film, or television industry).
O- 1B: For people with extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievements in the film or television industry.
O-2: For individuals accompanying an artist or athlete under an O-1 visa to assist at a specific event or performance. To accompany an individual under an O-1A visa, the assistance provided by the O-2 visa applicant must be an integral part of the activity of the individual under the O-1A visa. .
To accompany an individual under an O-1B visa, the assistance provided by the O-2 visa holder must be “essential” to the completion of the O-1B visa holder’s production. The O-2 worker must possess critical skills and experience with the O-1 visa holder that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and are essential to the successful development of the O-1 visa holder.
O-3: For people who are spouses or children of the person applying for the O-1 visa or the O-2 visa.
How to become eligible for the O-1 Visa?
There are two ways to qualify for this visa. First, you can qualify with evidence that you have won a major award, such as a Grammy, Nobel Prize, or Olympic medal. For all other applicants, extraordinary ability is demonstrated by evidence of at least three (3) of the following factors:
- You have participated as a judge of other professionals' work in your field on panels, in competitions, or at awards ceremonies. For example: peer reviewing articles, serving on a judging panel in a business competition, or judging a topic within your area of expertise.
- Material published about your work in professional publications, major trade publications, or other significant media outlets. For example: articles in the New York Times, CNN, Forbes, etc. However, you can also meet this criterion with articles in smaller media outlets.
- Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements from their members, as judged by international experts. Example: An entrepreneur who is part of an exclusive organization for executives.
- You have made significant original contributions to your field. For example, you patented something your employer is using, or you initiated a new business process that has impacted your field.
- You hold or have held key or critical positions within a company with a distinguished reputation.
- You have authored academic articles in professional journals or other major media outlets.
- You have earned a high salary or other significantly high compensation. For example, a director who receives a significantly higher salary than the industry average due to their experience and unique skills.
- Awards or recognitions for excellence in their field, recognized nationally or internationally. Example: A journalist receives the “Simón Bolívar National Journalism Prize” in Colombia.
Benefits of the O Visa
- There is no annual limit associated with the O-1 visa, meaning there are no restrictions on the number of visas that can be issued each year.
- You can speed up the processing time to 15 days by paying an additional fee of $2.805 USD.
- You can sponsor your spouse and children with the O-3 visa: Your spouse will not have work authorization, but will be able to go to school in the U.S. without needing an F-1 visa.
- The O-1 visa allows for "dual intent," which offers the possibility of applying for permanent residence in the United States while holding an O-1 visa.
How long is an O-1 visa valid?
The O-1 visa is initially approved for up to three years, during which you can work in the U.S. and travel within and outside the country. After your first visa expires, you can continue to extend your status indefinitely in one-year increments.
The O-1 visa offers an incredible opportunity for those who have achieved great merit in their fields and wish to expand their horizons in the United States. While the process may seem challenging, proper guidance can simplify it.
Would you like guidance on your visa application process? Follow us on social media @asisvisa or message us on WhatsApp at +1 (786) 619 5937