Your Pathway to the United States As An Individual with Extraordinary Ability
O-1 Visa
Championing Extraordinary Abilities in Science, Business, and Athletics
At Fakhoury Global Immigration (FGI), we are committed to assisting individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, education, business, or athletics to feature their expertise in the United States through the non-immigrant O-1A visa. This non-immigrant visa is designed for those who have achieved sustained national or international acclaim and wish to bring their talents to the U.S. for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.
Contact Fakhoury Global Immigration to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Who Can Apply for an O-1 Visa?
The O-1 visa is intended for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. This visa is available to professionals who have reached the pinnacle of their careers, evidenced by significant achievements and recognition. However, the process of applying for this visa requires the involvement of a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. It's important to note that an O-1 beneficiary cannot petition for themselves.
A U.S. agent can file the petition on behalf of the beneficiary, particularly if the individual is traditionally self-employed or works for multiple employers on a short-term basis. The agent must provide the following:
- A complete itinerary of the events or activities.
- Contracts between the employers and the beneficiary.
- An explanation of the terms and conditions of employment.
Supporting Documentation for O-1 Visa
To successfully obtain an O-1 visa, the petition must be supported by substantial evidence of the beneficiary's extraordinary ability. This can include:
- Major Awards: Evidence of receipt of a major internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize.
- Lesser Prizes or Awards: Proof of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
- Memberships: Documentation of membership in associations that require outstanding achievement for their members.
- Press: Evidence of published material about the beneficiary in major media or professional publications.
- Judging: Proof that the beneficiary has been invited to judge the work of others, either individually or as part of a panel.
- Contributions: Evidence of original contributions of major significance in their field.
- Authorship: Documentation of scholarly articles written by the beneficiary in professional or major trade publications.
- Leading Role: Evidence of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations.
- High Salary: Proof that the beneficiary commands or will command a high salary or significant remuneration in relation to others in the field
The O-1 Visa Process
- Filing the O-1 Petition: The process begins with the preparation and filing of the Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition must be accompanied by the required supporting documentation that evidences the beneficiary's extraordinary ability.
- Consular Processing: If the beneficiary is outside of the U.S., they will need to undergo consular processing, involves the filing of the DS-160 form with the Department of State (DOS) and scheduling an interview at the U.S. consulate to obtain the visa stamp.
At FGI, we understand the complexities of the O-1 visa process and are here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team will help ensure that your application is thoroughly prepared, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome. If you have extraordinary abilities and are looking to advance your career in the United States, contact us today to discuss your O-1 visa options.
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