To learn more about what an O visa is and if you are eligible for one, continue reading and give our skilled Baltimore County, Maryland immigration lawyer a call today. At the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC, our legal team is on your side.
What is an O visa?
There have been many instances where models, actors, athletes, musicians, and other talented individuals have to travel around the world for their profession and oftentimes end up moving to the United States. An O-visa provides an individual who can demonstrate that they have “extraordinary ability” in their field the ability to obtain employment in the United States. There are a number of different kinds of O-visas available. If you are someone of extraordinary ability and would like to discover your employment options in the United States, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 A visa is secured for those who have extraordinary abilities in athletics, business, education, or science. In order to be qualified to apply for this type of visa, you must have either won a significant award in your field or meet at least three of the following standards:
- You have had articles written about you in a major media publication
- You have won an award for excellence
- You have received a high salary for your field
- You are a member of an Association that requires an outstanding achievement
- You will be serving a critical role in a distinguished organization
- You have written a scholarly article
- You have made an original contribution of significance to the field
- You have acted as a judge of others in the field
What is an O-1B visa?
Those who have extraordinary abilities in the arts may qualify for an O-1B visa. If you are given an O-1B visa, you, your support staff, and your dependents are permitted to come to the United States. While you and your support staff are allowed to work on this visa, your dependents are not. In order to become qualified for an O-1B Visa, you must have either won a major award (like an Oscar or an Emmy), or you meet at least three of the following requirements:
- You have received recognition from experts in the field
- You have received a high salary for your field
- You have and will be a lead role in a distinguished event
- You have had articles written about you in major media publications
- You have or will have a critical role in a distinguished organization
- You have a record of major critical or commercial success
How does an individual prove extraordinary ability?
You will want to recognize that proving you are an individual of extraordinary ability isn’t always easy. Some of the ways that you can do so include supplying some of the following sources of proof:
- Past concert schedules or tours
- Awards you have won
- Album or art sales
- Potential concert schedule
- Itineraries such as tour dates, gallery openings, production calendars, game schedules, or research calendar
- A contract between the petitioner and beneficiary
- A written opinion from an organization in the United States that details your ability
