What is an O Visa?

If you are wondering: what is an O Visa? Keep in mind that according to the USCIS rules, O-1 Visa is meant for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.

The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

Therefore, the O nonimmigrant classification is commonly referred to as:

• O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures, or television industry);
• O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry;
• O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance;
• O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.

To qualify for this visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that you are one of the small percentages who has arisen to the very top of the field.

USCIS evaluates evidence to determine O-1A eligibility, including examples and considerations that are especially relevant for those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. Distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of the arts. This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are prominent, renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts.

To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, you must demonstrate extraordinary achievement. This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

To qualify for an O-2 visa, your assistance must be an “integral part” of the O-1A visa holder’s performance, and you must have critical skills and experience with the O-1 visa holder that are not of a general nature and cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker. In the case of an O-2 visa holder in the motion picture or television industry, you must have skills and experience with the O-1 visa holder that are not of a general nature and which are critical either based on a pre-existing longstanding working relationship or, with respect to the specific production, because significant production (including pre-and post-production work) will take place both inside and outside the United States and your continuing participation is essential to the successful completion of the production.

How long can you be on an O visa?

O-1 visas are granted for the duration of an “event” (i.e. a grant, project, tour, etc.) and for an initial period of no longer than three years. There is no limit on extensions for this kind of visa, which are granted in increments of 1 year at a time.

How hard is it to get an O Visa?

The statistics of the approval rate for O-1 visas is quite high and generally between 80% and 95%, depending on the service center local.

Can O visa apply for Green Card?

O-1 visa offers holders a path to a Green Card. You can do this by making an application to change your status from O-1 to permanent resident, provided you meet the Green Card eligibility requirements.

How much does an O Visa cost?

The standard processing fee of an O1 visa is $460. If you opt for premium processing, you will have to spend an additional $1,410 on top of the standard fee. The USCIS holds the right to either approve or deny your case. It can also ask for additional evidence (RFE).

The application process for an O-1 Visa is complicated, if you need more details about it, we can help you! Contac us!

To learn more about immigration services read our blog, contact us to get more information about Green Card and other topics. Wizard Visa offers the best service to help you become a US citizen!

Take advantage of our experience and let our team help you make your dream come true! Contact Us! We will help you plan for your future.