Entertaining the Thought of Bringing Your Talents to the U.S.?
The O-1B Visa Can Help You Do Just That!
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What do having your own fashion line, acting in that great film or television show, and being a social media influencer have in common?
You’re all extraordinary!
No, really, you are. The United States offers an O-1 visa for those who possess extraordinary ability in the arts, business, education, the sciences, athletics, or even in the television and film industry. The O-1B Visa can be used for fashion designers, filmmakers, cinematographers, actors, actresses, film workers, tv workers, influencers, artists, performers, photographers, illustrators, tattoo artists, etc. Most others with extraordinary ability will fall under the
O-1A Visa.
So how hard is it to be categorized as “extraordinary” you wonder?
Not. That. Hard.
For an O-1B visa, for those of you in the television and film industry, you qualify if you have ever been nominated or received a significant national or international award (think an Academy Award or an Oscar).
Not an Oscar winner? Don’t fret!
You can also qualify by meeting at least three criteria below:
- You have performed or you plan to perform as a lead or starring participant in distinguished productions or events (distinguished reputation can be evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, endorsements).
- You have achieved national or international recognition for your achievements evidenced by critical reviews, or other published materials by or about you in major newspapers, trade journals, magazine, other publications.
- You have performed and plan to perform in a lead, starring or critical role for distinguished organizations and establishments (distinguished reputation can be evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publication or testimonials).
- You have a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes (as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, standing, box office receipts, motion picture or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications).
- You have received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field.
- You command a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial renumeration for services in relation to others in the field, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.
If you meet at least three of these criteria, you are eligible for an O-1B visa! Meeting these criteria can come from any number of angles: tattoo artist working at a famous shop where she attends conventions? Counts. Fashion designer with his own distinguished label, hosting his own show or featuring in another’s? Counts. There are a million ways that someone as amazing as you can fit into the O-1B mold for extraordinary ability.
If you have any questions about what these O-1B criteria mean for you, or if you would like to start your vise petition process, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
We look forward to working with you.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.
