The O-1 Visa Class

Maybe you’ve heard of the O-1 visa, but what does it entail and can it be right for you? The O-1 nonimmigrant visa classification was designed for those foreign nationals recognized for having extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, athletics, education, or business, or for anyone with a demonstrable record of nationally or internationally recognized achievement in the television industry or in the motion picture industry.

Subcategories of the “O” Nonimmigrant Visa

• O-1A: individuals with exceptional abilities in science, education, business, or athletics.

• O-1B: individuals with exceptional abilities in the arts or extraordinarily high achievements in the motion picture industry or the television industry.

• O-2: individuals who accompany an O-1 to assist with a specific event. For an O-1A, the O-2’s assistance must be “integral” to the O-1A’s activity. For an O-1B, the O-2 must be “essential” to completion of the O-1B’s production. Additionally, the O-2 worker must possess critical skills and experience with the O-1 that cannot be readily duplicated by a U.S. worker.

• O-3 – individuals who are the spouses or children of O-1s and O-2s.

Qualifying for the O-1 Visa

To qualify for an O-1 visa, a beneficiary must show extraordinary ability with sustained national or international acclaim and must be coming temporarily to the U.S. to work in that area of his or her ability. Extraordinary ability means a level of proficiency indicating that the person has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor. In science, education, business, athletics, and the arts, extraordinary ability is demonstrated by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily described as prominent, renowned, or leading in the field. If you are applying for an O-1, O-2, or O-3 nonimmigrant visa, or if you are dealing with any kind of immigration issue, the best thing you can do is to speak at once with an experienced immigration attorney. A good immigration lawyer can assess your personal situation, help you legally obtain a visa, and help you achieve your goals in the United States.

Shihab Burke, LLC, Attorneys At Law Can Help

If you are an immigrant with any questions or concerns regarding your O-1 visa qualifications, green card application, or any other legal matter, speak at once to an experienced Columbus immigration attorney. A good immigration lawyer can help you and your family with any immigration issue you face and defend you if you’re accused of violating immigration law. Our immigration attorneys will review your forms and applications for thoroughness and accuracy. Immigration laws will continually change, but an experienced immigration attorney will always be able to give you the most up-to-date legal advice you need. We have offices in Dublin and Columbus, Ohio, Michigan, and Texas. But our full suite of immigration law services is available to clients nationwide and even around the world. Contact us today!