So, You Want to Be Extraordinary in the U.S.?
Nikki Breeland • March 9, 2021
The O-1A Visa Can Help You Do Just That!
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What do being the most amazing soccer coach, the hottest event planner, and a highly sought-after freelancer 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-1A Visa can be used for freelancers, coaches, business people, CEOs, CFOs, researchers, professors, event planners, chefs, freelancers, athletes, sommeliers, marketing and branding consultants, publicity directors, gallery owners, agents, producers, etc. Others with extraordinary ability in the motion pictures or visual or performance arts will fall under the O-1B Visa.
So how hard is it to be categorized as “extraordinary” you wonder?
Not. That. Hard.
For an O-1A visa you qualify if you have ever received a major, international-recognized award (think a Nobel Prize).
Not a Nobel Prize winner? Don’t fret!
You can also qualify by meeting at least three criteria below:
- You have received a nationally or internationally recognized prize or award for excellence in the field.
- You are a member of associations in the field that require outstanding achievement of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts.
- You have published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about you.
- You have participated on a panel or as a judge of the work of others in the same or similar field of specialization.
- You have contributed original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance.
- You have authored scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media.
- You are currently or were previously employed in a critical or essential capacity for distinguished organizations and establishments.
- Your previous or proffered salary or other remuneration is high.
If you meet at least three of these criteria, you are eligible for an O-1A visa! Meeting these criteria can come from any number of angles. There are a million ways that someone as amazing as you can fit into the O-1A mold for extraordinary ability.
If you have any questions about what these O-1A criteria mean for you, 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.
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