The O-visa is a visa available to foreign professionals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Those with a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry also qualify for an O-visa. Professionals with an O-visa can come to the United States to continue work in their field of expertise. If you seek employment in the United States as an artist, professor, athlete, or business professional, an O-visa may be the right employment option.
Our Dallas immigration attorneys explain how difficult it is to obtain an O-visa and what requirements are needed to qualify for one.
How Difficult Is it to Get an O-Visa in the United States?
O-visas are considered one of the most difficult employment-based visas to obtain. They are one of the most difficult visas to obtain because the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in their field. The qualifications require a higher standard than what is typical for other employment-based visas, such as the H-1B visa.
Below are some of the things an applicant must have to qualify for an O-visa:
National or International Acclaim
In order to qualify for an O-visa, the applicant must demonstrate that they have received national or international acclaim in their field of expertise. This can be done through evidence of major prizes or awards, membership in professional associations, publication in professional or major trade publications, evidence of high salary or other remuneration for services, and other forms of recognition.
Record of Extraordinary Achievement
In addition, the applicant must also demonstrate that they have an extensive record of extraordinary achievement in their field and are coming to the United States to continue work in their field of expertise. This can be done through evidence of leading roles in major productions, critical acclaim from reviewers, and other forms of recognition.
Continued Work in Field of Expertise
Finally, the applicant must also demonstrate that they are coming to the United States to continue work in their field of expertise. This can be done through a letter from an employer stating that the applicant is needed for a specific project or event or through evidence that a U.S. company has hired the applicant.
If you need help obtaining an O-visa, get in touch with our Dallas immigration attorneys today at (844) 299-5003 to schedule a consultation!