What is the O-1 visa, and who is it for?

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics or who have demonstrated a record of exceptional achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally and internationally for those achievements to live and work in the United States.

O1 visa requirements

To qualify for an O-1 visa, a person must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field and must be recognized as part of the small percentage of people who have risen to the top of their field. In addition to demonstrating extraordinary ability, a person applying for an O-1 visa must also have a job offer from a U.S. employer. The job offer must be in an area related to the applicant’s expertise, and the employer must show that he will be able to provide adequate compensation for the applicant’s services.

Extraordinary ability can be demonstrated with an international recognition award, such as a gold medal, Grammy, Emmy, Nobel Prize, etc. If the applicant does not have an award of that level, she can demonstrate extraordinary ability through evidence of at least three of the following:

• An award not of such a high level as the one mentioned above but one recognized nationally or internationally.
• Membership in an exclusive organization or association related to your field.
• Significant achievement in your field as evidenced by published material, major media coverage, or reviews.
• Commercial success in your field as evidenced by sales figures or box office receipts.
• Employment history with a major company or organization in your field.
• Evidence of teaching experience at a renowned institution.
• Proof of original contributions to your area that are widely recognized.

O1 Visa: Benefits and Restrictions

Some of the benefits of having an O-1 visa include living and working in the United States for an extended time and bringing family members to the United States. However, there are also some restrictions associated with the O-1 visa. For example, O-1 visa holders are not eligible for permanent resident status. They cannot change their status to another visa category while in the United States. Additionally, O-1 visa holders can only work for the employer that sponsored their visa.