The O-1 non-immigrant visa category is utilized for foreign artists, athletes, entertainers, scientists, educators and business people who wish to temporarily come to the United States to work in their field of achievement.

O-1 Visa Requirements

In order to qualify as an alien of extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, athletics or business, the foreign national must demonstrate international prominence in his area of ability with extensive documentation. Typically, the foreign national must have either received a major international award such as the Noble Prize or meet several other characteristics including: scientific, scholarly, or business related contributions of major significance to the field; authorship of scholarly articles in the field and professional journals; high salary or other enumeration; membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members; receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards; or authorship of scholarly discussions in major media outlets. In order to be eligible for an O-1 Visa a U.S. corporation or agent must also sponsor the alien.

Duration and Filing of O-1 Visa

The O-1 Visa holder is admitted to the United States initially for a three year period but may be extended indefinitely in additional one year increments. The O-1 Visa may be extended until the individual completes the requirements of the job. In order to file a Petition for O-1 status the foreign national must complete a Petition and file same with the USCIS Regional Service Center within four months prior to the requested start date. Although an O-1 Petition make take several months to be adjudicated, an additional $1,000.00 processing fee will allow USCIS to adjudicate the Petition within 15 days of receipt.

At Colombo, Hurd, & Brandt, our attorney’s have experience in successfully preparing O-1 Visas for our clients. If you have a question or wish to schedule a consultation regarding an O-1 contact us at your convenience.