Bring Your Talent to the U.S.:
Learn How To Apply For An O Visa
O visas allow extraordinary talented individuals to come to the United States and further develop their careers, gain experience, and potentiate their professional growth.
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Here at the Law Offices of Alice Antonovsky, we have experience dealing with O visa cases from individuals of many different professional backgrounds and countries.
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You might be the next talented professional to join the U.S. workforce! Keep reading to learn all about the O visa in the United States.
The O visa, also known as the “talent visa”, is a non-immigrant visa category for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics. Those who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry are also eligible.
There are two types of O visas: O-1A for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, business, or athletics, and O-1B for those in the arts.
To qualify for an O visa applicants must demonstrate to have an extraordinary ability in the qualifying fields. Such a level of expertise can be proven with records of national or international acclaim, documentation, media coverage, awards, publications, or expert opinions. The goal is for the applicant to prove they are at the very top of their field.
Think you qualify for an O visa? Contact our team now to evaluate your case and get started!
CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SCHEDULE A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
Since the O visa is specifically designed for people with abilities in certain fields, applicants must be able to show proof of the talents they claim to have.
Here are the basic requirements for an O visa in the United States:
- Evidence of extraordinary ability: The level of expertise must be significantly above what is typically found in their profession and demonstrated through sustained national or international acclaim, publications, or documentation.
- Eligible type of work: The applicant must be coming to the United States to work in their area of extraordinary ability. They can show temporary work, employment, contractual work, or project-based work offers.
- Advisory opinion: The applicant will need to provide an advisory opinion from an appropriate industry group, organization, or individual with expertise in the applicant’s field. This will help back up their talent claims.
- Nonimmigrant intent: The applicant must demonstrate that their interest in coming to the United States is on developing in their professional field. However, they may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence while holding an O visa.
- You get permission to work in the United States: an O visa grants you work authorization in the U.S. for the duration of your visa status. Keep in mind, you must engage in professional activities related to the field you claimed to have extraordinary talent in.
- You do not need a sponsorship from anyone: unlike other employment-based visas, you will not need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for an O visa.
- You will be able to enter and exit the country multiple times: O visas are issued for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions. During this time, you are free to enter and exit the country multiple times.
- You will be able to bring your family with you: as an O visa holder, you can bring your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 with you with an O-3 visa.
- You will be able to apply for permanent residency: an O visa is a non-immigrant visa. However, it may be a pathway for permanent residency in the U.S. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be able to apply for a Green Card and adjust your status.
O-1A Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics
O-1B Visa available for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry
O-2 Visa for dependents who will accompany an O-1 visa holder to assist in a specific event or performance
O-3 Visa for spouses or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
