If you possess extraordinary abilities or talent in a specific field, you may qualify for a visa under the O nonimmigrant classification. O-1 visas are restricted to those who can demonstrate a record of excellence and achievement in a particular field. If you wish to obtain this temporary employment-based visa, you must meet the strict eligibility criteria. To determine if an individual qualifies for an O-1 visa, it is wise to consult an adept Middlesex County, New Jersey, Business Immigration Lawyer who can help you navigate this complex legal process. Please continue reading to learn how you can acquire an O-1 visa.
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is a temporary employment-based visa designated for individuals with exceptional abilities in a specific field of study. This includes the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, and those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have received national or international recognition. The O nonimmigrant classifications are broken down as follows:
- O-1A: This type of visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, business, education, or athletics.
- O-1B: This type of visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or remarkable achievements in the motion picture or television industry.
- O-2: This type of visa is reserved for individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance.
- O-3: This type of visa is reserved for individuals who are the spouses or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
What qualifies someone as an extraordinary individual in a specific field?
Generally, extraordinary individuals must prove they possess outstanding skills and notable nationally or internationally recognized accomplishments with proper documentation. To qualify as an individual of extraordinary ability, you must satisfy at least three of the following:
- Evidence of a nationally or internationally recognized prize or award for excellence in the field.
- Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles or professional journals in the field.
- Published material in professional or major trade publications or media about your work.
- Evidence you received high wages for services in your field.
- Evidence of participation on a panel as the judge of other work in the field.
- Evidence you held an essential role in the success of an organization or establishment with distinguished recognition.
- Evidence of membership in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by other experts in the field.
- Evidence in the form of letters or affidavits from prominent colleagues who can verify that your original or scholarly contributions are significant to the field.
For more information on obtaining a temporary employment-based visa as an individual with extraordinary skills or talent in a specific field, contact a competent New Jersey immigration lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC today. Our firm can help you understand your legal options and will guide you through each phase of the process ahead.
