1. Employer sponsored: Must be a U.S. employer or agent, OR entrepreneur / self-sponsored in specific circumstances.
   • U.S. Employer with valid tax ID that is real and operating.
   • Agents: Those who represent others.
   • Entrepreneurs can form and own the company sponsoring their O-1 visa. This opens doors for startup founders and self-employed innovators eager to establish a U.S.-based business. 
2. O-1A: Reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in the following areas:
   • Sciences
   • Education
   • Business 
   • Athletics
3. O-1B: Designated for individuals with extraordinary ability in: 
   • the arts
   • motion picture industry
   • television industry
4. Documentation requirements:
   • Supporting evidence for O-1A: Extensive documentary evidence of extraordinary ability or achievement, which may include at least 3 of the following:

• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards.
• Memberships in exclusive organizations requiring outstanding achievement.
• Major media coverage.
• Evidence of high salary or other significant recognition.
• Original work documented by patents, licences, commercialization of research innovation, contributions to open-source repositories or other technical resources, and reference letters from government entities and other experts in the field, i.e. original contributions of major significance 
• Scholarly peer-reviewed articles in the field.
• Service as the judge of the work of others.
• Documentation of work or performance in critical or leading roles.
• Other Comparable evidence.
  • Supporting evidence for O-1A: Extensive documentary evidence of extraordinary ability or achievement, which may include at least 3 of the following:
• Evidence you have or will perform/serve as a lead or starring role in major productions or events for organizations or establishments with distinguished reputation. 
• Evidence you have achieved national or international recognition for achievements in terms of critical reviews or other published materials in major media.
• Evidence of major commercial or critically acclaimed success in the field.
• Evidence of significant recognition in the form of testimonial letters from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field.
• Evidence of substantial remuneration for services.
• Other Comparable evidence.

5. Other Information

1. • Initial approval for up to three years; 1 year extensions indefinitely
   • Not a dual intent visa, but some proceed to filing EB-1A petitions
   • Family can obtain O-3 visas.
   • Assistants of O-1B’s may obtain O-2 status in certain circumstances.

Not sure if you qualify for the O-1 visa, schedule a consultation with us today and let us help you reach your immigration goals.