Description
The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or with a record of extraordinary achievement in television or motion pictures. This visa classification is severely limited to other individuals who can clearly demonstrate that they are at the very top of their profession or field.
Basic Requirements Summary
There are three categories for O-1 visa:
Applicants with Extraordinary Ability in the Arts;
Applicants of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industries. Either of the following is required:
- Nomination for or receipt of significant national or international awards or prizes (for example, Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Directors Guild Award; or
- Documentation of at least 3 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.
Applicants of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics. This category requires either of the following:
- Receipt of a major, internationally-recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or,
- At least 3 of the following forms of documentation:
- Documentation of receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
- 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- Evidence of original scientific, scholarly or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
- Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media;
- Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations/establishments with a distinguished reputation;
- Evidence of receiving a high salary or other remuneration for services.
Validity Term
An O-1 visa holder is admitted to the United States for the duration of the event, production or activity that may not exceed 3 years. This may include an entire season of performances, or a group of related activities. This may include short vacations and stopovers and could comprise an academic year or business or scientific project.
O-2 Visa
Description
The O-2 visa is for people that accompany and assist an O-1 visa holder in a specific athletic or artistic event or in the motion picture or television industry. O-2 visas are not available for those who accompany or assist O-1 visa holders in education, science, or business.
Basic Requirements Summary
O-2 visa holders that accompany O-1 visa holders in a specific athletic or artistic event must be an integral part of the performance and must have critical skills and experience which cannot be performed by other individuals.
O-2 visa holders that accompany O-1 visa holders in the motion picture and television industry must have skills or experience that are critical for the O-1 visa holder because of either of the following:
- A previous, longstanding working relationship; or,
- With respect to the specific production, much of the production work will be done both inside and outside of the United States and the continuing participation of the applicant is essential to the completion of the production.
Validity Term
An O-2 visa holder is admitted to the United States for the duration of the event, production or activity for which the O-1 visa holder is admitted.
O-3 Visa
Description
O-3 visa is for the spouse and children of an O-1 or O-2 visa holder.
Basic Requirements Summary
The O-3 visa is for the spouse and children of an O-1 or O-2 visa holder that are accompanying or following to join the O-1 or O-2 visa holder.
Validity Term
An O-3 visa holder is admitted for the duration of the event, production or activity for which the O-1 or O-2 visa holder is admitted.
