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Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O-1)
Overview: Got world-class skills in arts, science, sports, business, or entertainment? The O-1 visa lets you bring your extraordinary talent to the U.S. and shine on an international stage. No annual cap, just big opportunities
The O-1 non-immigrant visa is for an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or film or television, specifically:
- O1-A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)
- O1-B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.
- O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1, artist or athlete, to assist in a specified 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 of children of O-1’s and O-2’s
Requirements
To qualify for an O-q visa, the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim and must be going temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.
Extraordinary ability in the field of science, education business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field.
Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. Distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of the arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that a person described as prominent is renowned leading, or well-known in the field of arts.
To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered to the extent the person is recognized as outstanding notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.
Requirements
Applicants must generally show:
- a consultation document – a written advisory opinion from a peer group (including labor organisations) or a person designated by the group with expertise in the beneficiary’s area of ability
- contract between the applicant and the petitioning employer
- itineraries for the events the applicant is going for
Sciences, Education, Business, or Athletics (O-1A)
Applicants with extraordinary ability in these areas must show:
- an international recognized award or evidence of at least three of the following;
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor
- Membership in association in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field
- Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought
- Original scientific scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field
- Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought
- A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence
- Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought
- Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation
Arts, Motion Picture or Television (O-1B)
Applicants with extraordinary ability in these areas must show:
- Evidence that he/she has received, or evidence of at least (3) 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
- Perform 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 shown by such indicators as titles, 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 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.
If the above standards do not readily apply to the beneficiary’s occupation in the arts. The petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish eligibility (this exception does not apply to the motion picture or television industry).
Take Away Points
✨ Recognized Expertise – You’ve earned national or international acclaim in your field.
🏆 Proven Track Record – Your achievements are backed by awards, honors, or notable recognition.
📜 Documented Excellence – You can provide solid evidence of your exceptional skills and contributions.
🌍 Global Impact – Your work influences or inspires audiences beyond your home country.
🤝 Exclusive Opportunities – You’re invited to participate in prestigious events or collaborations.