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O Visa
The O Nonimmigrant Visa is for individuals who possess extraordinary abilities in arts, sciences, business, athletics, and education, for people who have demonstrated a record of extraordinary achievements in the entertainment industry, or even for those who have made great achievements that have been recognized nationally or internationally. A job offer from an employer in the US is a requirement for eligibility under the O Visa classification. There is no annual limit on the number of O Visas that can be awarded.
An O-1 Visa is available based on individual qualifications. Being a member of a team or group or organization doesn’t qualify someone for an O-1 Visa. Additionally, an O Visa petitioner must be coming to the U.S. to either work or perform at an event.
The O nonimmigrant visa can be classified as following:
O-1A: It is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in education, sciences, athletics, or business
O-1B: It is for individuals with remarkable skills in the arts or television or motion picture or industry
O-2: It is for individuals who accompany an O-1 athlete or artist to assist in a particular performance or event
O-3: It is for the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
The O nonimmigrant visa can be classified as following:
O-1A: It is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in education, sciences, athletics, or business
O-1B: It is for individuals with remarkable skills in the arts or television or motion picture or industry
O-2: It is for individuals who accompany an O-1 athlete or artist to assist in a particular performance or event
O-3: It is for the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
Eligibility criteria for an O-1 visa
To get an O-1A Visa you must be able to prove your extraordinary talent. You should be able to provide enough evidence to satisfy at least three of the following conditions:1. Evidence of receiving national or international awards of excellence in their respective field.
2. Evidence of being a member of some associations whose membership requires remarkable achievements, as judged by internationally or nationally recognized connoisseur in the respective field
3. Evidence of being the subject of published material regarding you or your work in professional trade publications or major media
4. Evidence of participating individually or on the panel as a judge of the work of others in your field
5. Evidence of making an original scientific, business-related, or scholarly contribution of major significance to the field
6. Evidence of being previously employed in an essential capacity for an esteemed organization
7. Evidence of authoring scholarly articles in professional journals or major media
8. Evidence of commanding or have commanded a significant remuneration for your services.
The O-1B is geared towards extraordinary artists and actors. You must be coming to the US to perform in your recognized field, generally as part of a specific endeavor. In order to demonstrate the recognition of your talent, it will be necessary to provide documents that show that you have been nominated or have received prestigious international and national awards.
For the employer filing an O Visa petition on behalf of a beneficiary, they must submit at least three of the following forms of documentation:
1. Evidence that the applicant has performed and or performs as a starring participant in events and have a high reputation as evidence of publicity releases, reviews, and endorsements
2. Evidence that the applicant has achieved international or national recognition for their achievements by critical reviews or the published materials in major newspapers, magazines, or trade journals
3. Evidence that the applicant has performed or intend to perform, in a critical role for establishments that have a distinguished reputation
4. Evidence that the applicant has a record of major critically or commercial acclaimed successes reported in newspapers, journals, and publications
5. Evidence of significant recognition through testimonials that indicates the applicant’s authority and knowledge
6. Evidence that the applicant has either commanded a high remuneration for services, as compared to others in the field, as proved by the contracts
Process
To apply for an O Visa, first file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers with USCIS. It is necessary to provide documentary evidence such as contracts, travel itineraries, and written advisories provided as consultation experts in the field. This needs to be submitted at least 45 days before you start work in the US. Once the form is approved, you will be asked to appear for an interview at the consulate.To apply for an O Visa, first file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers with USCIS. It is necessary to provide documentary evidence such as contracts, travel itineraries, and written advisories provided as consultation experts in the field. This needs to be submitted at least 45 days before you start work in the US. Once the form is approved, you will be asked to appear for an interview at the consulate.
