The O-1 visa is a temporary work visa available to foreign nationals who have “extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.”  The O visa is also available to those in Motion Pictures and Television who can demonstrate a record of “extraordinary achievement.”  This requirement is broadly interpreted to include most creative fields, including photographers, chefs, carpenters, and lecturers.

Qualifications for an O-1 Visa

To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate that you possess extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, athletics, or the motion picture or television industry.  You must show that you have achieved sustained or international acclaim.  Extraordinary ability means that you have achieved a high level of expertise such that you are one of a small percentage at the top of your field.  Artists and entertainers must show a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that normally encountered, and is prominent, renowned, leading or well-known in their artistic field.

Parameters of the O-1 Visa

O-1 visa holders must be coming to the United States to:

• Perform temporary services for a U.S. employer  or agent of an international employer;
• Participate in a specific event which requires his or her expertise; and,
• Work in his or her field of ability (although the position need not require the services of a person of extraordinary ability). 

 
O-1 Visas and Permanent Residency

O-1 visas allow for “dual intent,” meaning that you may apply for permanent residency without jeopardizing your eligibility for the O-1 visa. 

Furthermore, qualification for the O-1 visa category is similar to the requirements for the EB-1A permanent resident category, as Aliens of Extraordinary Ability.  Therefore, O-1 visa holders are likely eligible for permanent residency without having to file a labor certification application.

The O-1 visa petition requires specific evidence of your qualifications and international recognition of your extraordinary ability.  You may prove your ability in the field by showing that you have received an internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize.  Alternatively, you can also document at least three of the following:

• Internationally or nationally recognized prizes or awards;
• Published material about your work;
• Membership in an association that requires members to have outstanding achievement;
• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
• Authorship of scholarly articles published in any type of major media or professional journals;
• High salary or any other type of compensation;
• Participation on a panel, or as a judge for other people’s works; and/or,
• Evidence of past employment for organizations or establishments that have a high reputation.

If the above standards do not readily apply to the alien's occupation, you may submit comparable evidence in order to establish your eligibility.

You will also need to provide a contract between you and your employer that describes the terms and conditions of services to be performed, or a summary of the terms of an oral agreement.  For specific events, you should provide a specific itinerary showing the schedule and ending date of events.

Length of Stay and Renewals of O-1 Visa

Application Procedures

The petition may not be filed more than six months before the services are needed.

You cannot apply for an O visa on your own behalf.  Generally, the employer must petition for the status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  You can also file through a U.S. agent.  This process is often used when you will work for multiple employers in the United States.  Once the petition is approved, you must then apply for an O-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Assistants of O Visa Holders (the O-2 visa)

Foreign nationals who are accompanying an O-1 visa holder and assisting in the performance may be

able to obtain an O-2 visa. 

To qualify for an O-2 visa, the assistant must meet the following requirements: 

• Be an integral part of the actual performance;
• Have critical skills and experience that cannot be performed by others; and,
• In television and motion pictures, have a long-standing working relationship with the O-1 alien.  

The petition must include evidence to establish the applicant’s essential role, and that they have skills and experience not possessed by an immediately available US worker. 

Dependents of O Visa Holders (the O-3 visa)

Spouses and children of an O-1 visa holder are eligible for admission to the United States in O-3 status.  Dependents need to show proof of the family relationship. Dependents may not engage in employment, but may attend school or college.