The O-1 visa is for Extraordinary Ability. It is an employment-based which means that an employer or agent must be the one petitioning an applicant with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. This visa is for those who intend to work in the United States temporarily but not stay or obtain citizenship. This visa grants an initial period of stay of up to 3 years and can be extended by renewing the visa. The O-1 visa is focused on the film and television industry within the O-1B category.
The O-1 visa allows for the addition of individuals who would accompany the O-1 visa holder to assist with events to come in under the O-2 visa, such as a team or crew. This visa would also allow for the spouse and children of the O-1 and O-2 visa holders to apply for the dependent nonimmigrant O-3 visa.
In order to qualify for the O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics and attained national or international acclaim. Alternatively, you must demonstrate that you have extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry. You must also demonstrate that you will continue to work in your field in the United States and that your work will substantially benefit the United States.
To show that you have attained acclaim of Extraordinary Ability, you should be able to provide receipt of a noteworthy one-time achievement (Nobel Prize, Olympic Gold Medal, Oscar, etc.) or that you meet at least three of the Extraordinary Ability criteria below:
