An O visa is a classification of non-immigrant temporary worker visa granted by the United
States to an alien "who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education,
business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the
motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally
for those achievements," and to certain assistants and immediate family members of such aliens.
According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are three types
of O visas: O-1A – individuals with an extraordinary
ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics
O-1B – individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement
in motion picture or television industry. O-2 – individuals who will accompany an
O-1, artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance. "For an O-1A, the O-2's
assistance must be an 'integral part' of the O-1A's activity. For an O-1B, the O-2's assistance
must be 'essential' to the completion of the O-1B's production. The O-2 worker has critical
skills and experience with the O-1 that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and
which are essential to the successful performance of the O-1."
O-3 – individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1s and O-2s.
An O-1 visa is initially granted for up to three years. Subsequently, it can be extended
for one year at a time. There is no limit to the number of extensions that may be granted.
The term "O-1" refers to 8 U.S.C. § 1101(O)(i)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which
provides for the admission of "aliens of extraordinary ability" in the stated fields. Spouses and
dependent children of O-1 visa holders do not receive the status, but instead qualify
for O-3 visas. Unlike many other temporary employment visas,
the applicant need not demonstrate proof of binding ties to a residence outside the United
States which the applicant has no intention of abandoning.
The O-1 visa legislation was drafted in 1990 by former Connecticut congressman Bruce Morrison.
Requirements The O-1 visa application must be submitted
along with a "Consultation Opinion", evidence documenting the alien's extraordinary ability,
and details of the proposed work in the U.S. The petition is to be approved for the duration
of the event in which the alien will participate, for a maximum of three years. One year extensions
are permitted thereafter with no maximum cumulative duration.
To prove the alien's extraordinary ability, documentation must be adequate to support
extraordinary ability as demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim; substantial
documentation in at least 3 of the acceptable evidence categories defined by statute; a
written advisory opinion from a peer group; the employer petition on behalf of the employee;
and an offer of employment. Generally, to qualify for O-1A classification,
aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics must demonstrate
sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field
of expertise by providing evidence of: Receipt of a major, internationally recognized
award, such as the Nobel Prize; or at least three of the following forms of documentation:
Documentation of the individual's receipt of nationally or internationally recognized
prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
Documentation of the individual's 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
individual, relating to the individual's work in the field for which classification is sought,
which shall include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary
translation; Evidence of the individual's participation
on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied
field of specialization to that for which classification is sought;
Evidence of the individual's original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions
of major significance in the field; Evidence of the individual's authorship of
scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media;
Evidence that the individual has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations
and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
Evidence that the individual has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary
or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.
To qualify for an O-1A visa, an applicant must provide documents proving extraordinary
ability. Examples of proof of extraordinary ability include nationally or internationally
recognized prizes or awards for excellence, membership in associations requiring outstanding
achievements, and articles written by or about the applicant. To supplement these materials,
employer may submit letters signed by experts in the applicant's field attesting to the
applicant's extraordinary ability in that field.
To qualify for O-1B classification, the applicant will need to supply documents showing that
he or she has been nominated for or have received significant national or international awards
or prizes in the particular field, such as an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, or Director's Guild
Award. Alternately, the employer filing the petition can submit at least three of the
following forms of documentation: Has performed services as a lead or starring
participant in productions or events with distinguished reputations as shown by critical
reviews, ads, publicity releases, publications, contract or endorsements;
National or international recognition for achievements through critical reviews, other
published materials by or about the beneficiary in major trade papers, trade journals, magazines,
and so forth; Has performed in a lead, starring or critical
role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced
by media articles, testimonials, and similar write-ups;
Has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success;
Has achieved significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies
and recognized experts; Has commanded or will command a high salary
or other remuneration in comparison to others in the field.
For Extraordinary Ability in motion picture or television, the definition of "extraordinary"
is different. For these individuals, "extraordinary achievement" is defined as "a very high level
of accomplishment in the motion picture or television industry evidenced by a degree
of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent
that the person is recognized as outstanding, leading, or well-known in the motion picture
or television field." Before an O-1 visa can be granted, the applicant
must go through a special consultation process. The applicant must get an "advisory opinion"
from a peer group, a group of professionals in the alien's occupation or profession, or
from a union, labor, or management organization. An "advisory opinion" is a letter from an
organization stating that the position the alien applicant will hold requires extraordinary
ability. The peer group must provide a written opinion
to the USCIS. If the application does not include a peer group opinion, the USCIS will
attempt to contact a peer group directly. If no peer group exists, the USCIS will make
a decision without a peer group consultation. The USCIS will not require a new consultation
if the alien beneficiary is reentering the U.S. in the O-1 category within two years
of a previous peer group consultation. Unlike the EB1-Extraordinary Ability category, the
O-1 category requires employment and sponsorship by the employer.
Consultation with an appropriate peer group, labor and/or management organization regarding
the nature of the proposed work and the beneficiary's qualifications is mandatory before an O-1
petition can be approved. This requirement may be especially important in the arts, entertainment
fields, or athletics. An O-1 artist can be sponsored by a U.S. employer,
U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. Although the artist cannot petition
for him/herself for O-1 status, the regulations recognize that O-1 cases can involve workers
who are traditionally self-employed. References
USCIS: O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement.
External links Current information for Artists from Abroad.