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An O visa is a classification of non-immigrant temporary worker visa granted by the United States to an alien "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", and to certain assistants and immediate family members of such aliens.

According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are three types of O visas:

• 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 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. "For an O-1A, the O-2's assistance must be an 'integral part' of the O-1A's activity. For an O-1B, the O-2's assistance must be 'essential' to the completion of the O-1B's production. The O-2 worker has critical skills and experience with the O-1 that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance of the O-1."
• O-3: individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1s and O-2s.

An O-1 visa is initially granted for up to three years. Subsequently, it can be extended for one year at a time. There is no limit to the number of extensions that may be granted. The term "O-1" refers to 8 U.S.C. § 1101(O)(i), added by section 207(a) of the Immigration Act of 1990, which provides for the admission of "aliens of extraordinary ability" in the stated fields. Spouses and dependent children of O-1 visa holders do not receive the status, but instead qualify for O-3 visas.

The O-1 visa legislation was drafted in 1990 by former congressman Bruce Morrison of Connecticut.

Requirements

The O-1 visa application must be submitted along with a petition submitted by a US Petitioner. This includes information regarding the petitioner and evidence documenting the alien's extraordinary ability, details of the proposed work in the U.S. in the form of an itinerary, supporting contracts that collate with the itinerary, and evidence of past work that confirms alien's extraordinary status is true and valid. It also must include an advisory letter from a US established person in the alien's appropriate industry field. This person is generally required to possess more than ten years in said field and is well known and respected among peers. The petition is to be approved for the duration of the event in which the alien will participate, for a maximum of three years. One-year extensions are permitted thereafter with no maximum cumulative duration.

Generally, to qualify for O-1A classification, aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise by providing evidence of:

Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or at least three of the following forms of documentation:

1. Documentation of the individual's receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. Documentation of the individual's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
3. Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the individual, relating to the individual's work in the field for which classification is sought, which shall include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary translation;
4. Evidence of the individual's participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization to that for which classification is sought;
5. Evidence of the individual's original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Evidence of the individual's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media;
7. Evidence that the individual has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
8. Evidence that the individual has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

To qualify for an O-1A visa, an applicant must provide documents proving extraordinary ability. Examples of proof of extraordinary ability include nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence, membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements, and articles written by or about the applicant. To supplement these materials, employer may submit letters signed by experts in the applicant's field attesting to the applicant's extraordinary ability in that field.

To qualify for O-1B classification, the applicant will need to supply documents showing that he or she has been nominated for or have received significant national or international awards or prizes in the particular field, such as an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, or Tony Award. Alternately, the employer filing the petition can submit at least three of the following forms of documentation:

1. Has performed services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events with distinguished reputations as shown by critical reviews, ads, publicity releases, publications, contract or endorsements;
2. National or international recognition for achievements through critical reviews, other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major trade papers, trade journals, magazines, and so forth;
3. Has performed in a lead, starring or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by media articles, testimonials, and similar write-ups;
4. Has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success;
5. Has achieved significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies and recognized experts;
6. Has commanded or will command a high salary or other remuneration in comparison to others in the field.

For extraordinary ability in motion picture or television, the definition of "extraordinary" is different. For these individuals, "extraordinary achievement" is defined as "a very high level of accomplishment in the motion picture or television industry evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that the person is recognized as outstanding, leading, or well-known in the motion picture or television field."

Before an O-1 visa can be granted, the applicant must go through a special consultation process. The applicant must get an "advisory opinion" from a peer group, a group of professionals in the alien's occupation or profession, or from a union, labor, or management organization. An "advisory opinion" is a letter from an organization stating that the position the alien applicant will hold requires extraordinary ability.

The peer group must provide a written opinion to the USCIS. If the application does not include a peer group opinion, the USCIS will attempt to contact a peer group directly. If no peer group exists, the USCIS will make a decision without a peer group consultation.

The USCIS will not require a new consultation if the alien beneficiary is reentering the U.S. in the O-1 category within two years of a previous peer group consultation. Unlike the EB1-Extraordinary Ability category, the O-1 category requires employment and sponsorship by the employer.

Consultation with an appropriate peer group, labor and/or management organization regarding the nature of the proposed work and the beneficiary's qualifications is mandatory before an O-1 petition can be approved. This requirement may be especially important in the arts, entertainment fields, or athletics.

An O-1 artist can be sponsored by a U.S. employer, U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. Although the artist cannot petition for him/herself for O-1 status, the regulations recognize that O-1 cases can involve workers who are traditionally self-employed.

Statistics

Number of visas issued by year

In the table below, the years are Fiscal Years, so for instance the year 2009 refers to the period from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009. Note that this only counts O visas issued at embassies and consulates outside the United States, and not transitions to O status within the United States via Form I-129. Also, since a single person may need to renew his or her O visa, it is not an estimate of the number of people currently in the status.

Notable recipients

• Alfio, Australian-Italian tenor and songwriter
• Justin Bieber, Canadian singer-songwriter
• Iggy Azalea, Australian rapper, songwriter, model and businesswoman
• Arkadi Duchin, Israeli singer-songwriter
• Caro Emerald, Dutch pop and jazz singer
• Boy George, British singer-songwriter
• Eyal Golan, Israeli singer
• Terry George, Irish screenwriter and director
• Gabriela Isler, Venezuelan fashion model and winner of Miss Venezuela 2012 and Miss Universe 2013
• Reona Ito, Japanese orchestral conductor
• Ana Ivanovic, Serbian tennis player
• Amrit Kaur, Canadian actress
• Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi dissident journalist
• Katerina Ksenyeva, Russian actress, singer, composer and journalist
• Julia Lang, German-Tanzanian creative director, image consultant and entrepreneur
• Katherine Langford, Australian actress
• Yasmin Le Bon, British supermodel
• Alicia Malone, Australian author and television host for Turner Classic Movies
• Jay Malone, Canadian comedian
• Damian McGinty, Irish singer and actor
• Tony Michaelides, British music industry executive
• Jimena Navarrete Rosete, Mexican actress and model who won Miss Universe 2010
• Liam Payne, English singer-songwriter
• Pele, Brazilian soccer star
• Subliminal, Israeli hip hop artist
• Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom
• Robert Sher-Machherndl, Dutch choreographer and ballet dancer
• Arevik Tserunyan, Armenian artist
• Andrew Lloyd Webber, English musical theatre composer
• Milo Yiannopolous, British far-right political commentator

Notable unsuccessful applicants

• Dorismar, Argentine model, actress, television hostess, and singer
• Lady Saw, Jamaican singer-songwriter

References

1. ^ "O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement". Retrieved 2012-09-16.
2. Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, 104 Stat. 4978, enacted November 29, 1990
3. Business Week, June 8, 2009, p. 14
4. ^ "O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement | USCIS". www.uscis.gov. September 17, 2020.
5. "Non-immigrant visa statistics". United States Department of State. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
6. "Table XVI(B) Nonimmigrant Visas Issued by Classification Fiscal Years 2015–2019" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
7. "Table XV(B) Nonimmigrant Visas Issued by Classification Fiscal Years 2019-2023" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
8. "WILDES & WEINBERG, P.C. Secures 0-1 Extension for Alfio". Wildes and Weinberg Law Offices. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
9. Hilary Lewis (January 23, 2014),Justin Bieber Arrested for DUI The Hollywood Reporter
10. "American Dreamin': Iggy Azalea Special Interview". BossLady.tv. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
11. "O-1 Approval for Arkadi Duchin". Wildes Law. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
12. "Wildes and Weinberg Law Offices Handles "O-VISA" For International Sensation Caro Emerald's USA Debut". wildeslaw.com. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
13. "Boy George on His O Visa and Michael Wildes His Immigration Lawyer". YouTube. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
14. "Our Representation of Eyal Golan, Israeli Singing Sensation". Best Immigration Lawyer, Attorneys in NYC, New York, NJ Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
15. Llorente, Elizabeth (December 6, 2013). "Miss Universe Gets Visa To Live And Work In The U.S., Green Card May Be Next". Fox News Latino. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
16. "O-1 Approval Secured for Reona Ito, Orchestral Conductor". wildeslaw.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
17. ^ "O-1 Approval Secured for Ana Ivanovic, Tennis Star and Brand Ambassador". Best Immigration Lawyer, Attorneys in NYC, New York, NJ Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
18. Singh, Katherine. "The Star Of Mindy Kaling's New Show Is Here To Make Us Embrace Our Horniness". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
19. Highfill, Samantha (December 10, 2021). "'Sex Lives of College Girls' star Amrit Kaur talks Bela's big season finale decision". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2021-12-10. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
20. "Friends of Saudi dissident say he failed to return after visit to Istanbul consulate". CNBC. Reuters. 2 October 2018. Archived from the original on 25 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018. Khashoggi was in the United States on an O-visa
21. Timmons, Heather (19 October 2018). "What does the US owe Jamal Khashoggi?". Quartz. Archived from the original on 25 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018. Khashoggi was living in the United States on an 'O' visa ... Three of Khashoggi's children are US citizens.
22. "Ksenyeva - Biography".
23. "Katerina Ksenyeva - Professional Profile, Photos, and Video Reels on Backstage - actress, singer, composer". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
24. "Интернет кинофестиваль авторского кино НИФАК - Фонд "Фонтан"". Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
25. "Home". The Forward. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
26. "Катерина Ксеньева". Kino-teatr.ru. 13 February 2012.
27. "Yury Mamin, official site - Projects of the future". Yurimamin.com. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
28. "Meet Veert Founder Julia Lang, The Creative Director Influencing The Influencers". Forbes. February 24, 2022. Archived from the original on 9 January 2023.
29. Keaney, Quinn (7 April 2017). "How Netflix's 13 Reasons Why Is the Most Important YA Adaptation Yet". PopSugar Celebrity UK. Archived from the original on 11 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
30. "Wildes Secures O-1 Visa for Supermodel Yasmin Le Bon To Work for Trump Models in the U.S." Wildes and Weinberg Law Offices. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
31. Girls on Film: Lessons From a Life of Watching Women in Movies. Coral Gables, Florida: Mango Publishing. 2022. p. 129. ISBN 978-1-64250-656-3.
32. Goldberg, Lesley (22 August 2011). "'The Glee Project': Winners Share Their Hopes for 'Glee' (Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 4 November 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
33. Real reason Liam Payne extended his ill-fated trip to Argentina amid struggles Chloe Govan, Daily Express (20 October 2024) Archived 1 November 2024 at archive.today
34. "Pele gets U.S. visa to join Cosmos staff". Big Apple Soccer. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
35. "O-1 Approval Secured for Subliminal, Hip-Hop Artist". Best Immigration Lawyer, Attorneys in NYC, New York, NJ Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
36. "Managing Partner Michael Wildes Secures O-1 Visa for Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom". Wildeslaw.com. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
37. "Robert Sher-Machherndl". www.coloradoballet.org. Retrieved 2019-01-28.
38. "O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement". USCIS. Retrieved 2019-01-28.
39. "Andrew Lloyd Webber Hires Wildes and Weinberg To Secure Nearly 100 O-1 AND O-2 Visa Approvals for Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Spectacular". wildeslaw.com. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
40. Oppenheim, Maya (26 February 2017). "People are calling for Milo Yiannopoulos to be deported". The Independent. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
41. Former 'Playboy' playmate deported: Argentine model wants special immigration status and re-entry to U.S..
42. Argentine model and actress Dorismar fights to return to the U.S. Archived November 5, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
43. Marion Hall Laments Being Denied a US O-1 Visa She Once Qualified for as Lady Saw. DancehallMag.com. Retrieved on 11 April 2020

External links

• USCIS: O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement.
• Current information for Artists from Abroad.

• United States visas by type