The United States has a non-immigrant temporary work program that welcomes specific individuals into the country. It’s called the O non-immigrant visa classification. This classification is for people looking to live in the U.S. who possess extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The O classification also welcomes individuals who have showcased a record of achievement in the film and television industry. In this article, we explain what an O-1 visa is and how you qualify for it.  

O Non-immigrant Visa Categories

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lists the following four categories of O Visas: 

O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)

O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the 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-1’s and O-2’s

Qualifications for an O-1 Visa 

In order to be a recipient of an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate that you have extraordinary abilities on a national or international level. You also have to prove that you’re coming to the United States to continue your work in the specified area of expertise. But what does “extraordinary abilities” actually mean? 

Fields of Science, Education, Business, or Athletics

The USCIS explains that the individual must prove that they are “one of the small percentages” of people who have risen to the top of their chosen field. This specifically applies to the fields of science, education, business, or athletics. 

Field of Arts

Extraordinary abilities in the arts are measured by distinction. The USCIS explains that distinction is defined as a high level of achievement in the arts proven by skill and substantial recognition. The individual must showcase that they are recognized on a much higher level than an ordinary artist would be. They must be described as prominent, leading, or highly recognizable in the field of arts. 

Motion Picture or Television 

In order to qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, an individual must prove that they’re highly recognizable and notable in entertainment. Again, much like the degree of measure in the field of arts, the individual must prove to be a true leader in the motion picture and television industry. Someone who is considered highly above average in this industry might qualify for an O-1 visa. 

Criteria for Extraordinary Ability 

The standards set for O-1 visas are very high. Anyone who has won a national or international award such as an Emmy, Pulitzer Prize, or Olympic medal will be granted an O-1 visa. Besides national and international achievement awards, the USCIS states that an individual must demonstrate that they’ve accomplished at least three of the following: 

• Performed and will perform services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements
• Achieved national or international recognition for achievements, as shown by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications
• Performed and will perform in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials.
• A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating or standing in the field, box office receipts, motion picture or television ratings and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers or other publications
• Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field in which the beneficiary is engaged, with the testimonials clearly indicating the author’s authority, expertise and knowledge of the beneficiary’s achievements
• A high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as shown by contracts or other reliable evidence

For More Information on O-1 Visas

It’s not recommended to try to complete your O-1 Visa on your own. The application process can be complicated and you’ll need to provide extensive evidence of your achievements. It’s important to connect with an immigration attorney to help you through the process. Contact an experienced attorney today to receive more information on how to obtain non-immigrant visas.