O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

An O-1 visa is a type of temporary visa designed for people with extraordinary ability or achievement in their respective field. The O-1 visa is divided into two distinct categories. An O-1A visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics, whereas an O-1 B visa is designed for those with extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts, motion picture, or television industry. 

These visas are temporary work visas that are usually valid for three years but can be renewed. They can also provide a path for permanent residency. However, applying for these visas can be complicated and require precise knowledge of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). That’s where we can help. At Premier Immigration Solutions, PLLC, we are able to assist you throughout the entire O-1 Visa application from helping to establish your eligibility and completing the required paperwork to dealing with the USCIS.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for an O-1 Visa?

Both types of O-1 visas are designed as temporary work visas for people who have extraordinary ability or achievement in their respective fields. However, you can’t just claim to be extraordinary and receive a visa, there is a specific criterion the USCIS looks for to determine extraordinary ability or achievement.

The types of things that the USCIS is looking for include awards and recognitions such a prestigious prizes, honors, or membership in exclusive organizations, publications and media coverage of your work, a detailed work history of your professional accomplishments, commercial success, and other things. Our attorneys can help review your achievements and determine if an O-1 visa is a right fit for you.

Additionally, an O-1 visa requires you to  have a job offer or contract for the applicant’s services. The applicant must also have a written advisory opinion for a consulting entity, related to the applicant’s field, that provides an opinion on the applicant’s qualifications. Our attorneys will work with your employer to get the right information to USCIS to make sure your visa is processed in the most efficient manner.

Benefits of an O-1 Visa

Some of the benefits of an O-1 visa include:

• The ability to work for multiple employers simultaneously, allowing you to be engaged in various projects or collaborations
• O-1 visa holders are allowed to stay in the United States for the duration of their event, project or activity up to three years initially with one-year extensions possible. 
• O-1 visa holders in the arts or entertainment industry may be able to bring essential support staff with them on an O-2 visa to assist with their activities.
• O-1 visas have no annual numerical cap like some other visa categories, providing greater accessibility.
• An O-1 visa may provide a path to a green card by pursuing other immigration visa options like the EB-1 Visa. 

Premier Immigration Solutions O-1 Visa Services

Premier Immigration Solutions, PLLC offers full-service legal representation to O-1 visa applicants and our attorneys will guide you throughout the entire process. We will help you work through the eligibility criteria and establish if you are a good candidate for an O-1 visa and, if so, guide you through the application process.

We will work with you to ensure that all of the USCIS forms are completed accurately, and all supporting documents are gathered to prove to the USCIS that you are a great candidate for an O-1 visa. We will make sure everything is submitted timely and guide you through all dealing with the USCIS including any interviews. If you are interested in acquiring an O-1 visa, contact us today to set up a consultation.