O1 Visas for Extraordinary Abilities

O-1 ARTIST AND ENTERTAINER (EXCEPT THOSE AFFILIATED WITH MOTION PICTURES)

Extraordinary ability in the arts means “distinction”, a high level of achievement in the field of arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered. The person must be outstanding or notable. One must present at least 3 of the following categories of evidence:

(1) Has performed/will perform services as a leading starring participant in productions/ events with distinguished reputations as shown by critical reviews, ads, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements
(2) National/international recognition for achievements through critical reviews, published materials by or about the beneficiary in major papers, trade journals/magazines
(3) Performed in a lead, starring or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by media articles, testimonials.
(4) Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success
(5) Has achieved significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, recognized experts.
(6) Evidence that you have commanded a high salary or will command a high salary evidence by contracts etc.
(7) Detailed Curriculum.

Filing Process:

In addition to documents mentioned above, client must provide all personal information as follows:

Name, address in US, address abroad, date of birth, place of birth, social security number and coy of I-94 card, if available. Include same information for spouses and children.

Written advisory opinion from peer group (which can include a person or person with expertise in the area of the individuals’ ability) or a labor organization or management organization in the field. The letter must evaluate client’s ability and comment on whether services will be performed for an organization that operates at the highest levels of amateur performance. (We will help with this).

Information required from Employer:

(1) Complete name, address, telephone and fax numbers;
(2) Date business was established;
(3) Description of business activity;
(4) Number of employees;
(5) Gross and net income of company;
(6) Nature and duration of project(s), event(s) or activity(ies) (up to 3 years);
(7) Job title;
(8) Description of duties to be performed;
(9) Salary;
(10) Name and title of individual signing forms of behalf of employee;

Information required from the beneficiary:

(1) Recommendation letters;
(2) I-94, Arrival/departure card;
(3) Copy of the biographical page of current passport;
(4) Copy of current US visa, if any.