The United States has always welcomed the world’s most talented people to work and live within its borders and be a part of the American dream. If you have an extraordinary ability in the arts, the O-1 visa may be ideal for you. The O-1 does not require any professional degrees or have any prevailing wage requirements. Additionally, this visa can be extended indefinitely and there is no numerical limit to the number of O-1 visas issued every year.
Who is eligible for an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is designed to allow certain individuals to live and work in the United States, temporarily, as legal nonimmigrants. You may be eligible for an O-1 visa if you possess “extraordinary ability” in the arts.
How long is an O-1 visa good for?
An O-1 visa is generally granted for a period of three years, after which the petitioner may apply for a oneyear extension. There is no set limit to the number of extensions that may be granted, provided the artist can continue to demonstrate his or her ability and is employed in the field of that ability.
How do I demonstrate my ability?
In order for an O-1 visa to be granted, the petitioner must file a professional opinion describing the artist’s ability. The opinion must be written by a recognized peer group or by an appropriate expert appointed by the peer group. Evidence that the artist’s ability is truly “extraordinary” is also required. This could be demonstrated by receipt, or nomination for, various national and international awards or a host of lesser forms of recognition. Additionally, he or she must also present a copy or summary of any employment contract with the potential American employer.
What about my family?
Your spouse and dependent children may accompany you in the United States with O-3 visas. This is also the case for the families of your support personnel. An O-3 visa holder may study part- or full-time, but would need to change his or her status once in the United States if he or she desired to work.
Can an O-1 visa help me get a “green card”?
If you would like to live in the United States permanently, and plan to apply for citizenship, the next step is to become a Legal Permanent Resident. If you meet the eligibility requirements, this will mean a lot of paperwork, but together, we will determine if you are ready to apply for a green card.
