What is an O1 Visa?
The United States offers a special visa category, the O-1 visa, to attract individuals with exceptional talent and to benefit from their knowledge, skills and contributions. The O-1 visa is a “nonimmigrant” visa, which means it is a non-immigrant visa and allows you to be in the USA for a specific period only.
An O-1 visa is granted if the individual can demonstrate outstanding national or international achievement in his or her field of specialization. This can be in the fields of science, education and business, or in the arts, television or film. In this respect, the O-1 visa can be considered a “prestige visa” that allows highly skilled professionals to continue their work in the USA temporarily.
What are the Differences Between O-1A and O-1B Visas?
The O-1A Visa covers individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent in the fields of science, education, business and athletics. The applicant is required to have received international awards, contributed to professional literature or proved that he/she has earned a high income in his/her field of specialization.
The O-1B Visa applies to individuals working in the creative industries such as art, cinema and television. Applicants in this category are expected to have participated in well-known productions, received praise from prominent critics, or been nominated for prestigious awards.
Although these two visa types differ in terms of their purpose, application criteria and targeted professional groups, the key element in both is the documentability of achievements.
Who is O1 Visa Suitable for?
The O-1 visa is only eligible for individuals who truly “make a difference” in their field. For example:
– A researcher who has contributed to academic literature
– A painter who has been featured in international exhibitions
– An athlete who has participated in the Olympics
– An author with nationally published books
– An actor who has starred in globally recognized productions
– A composer who has won major awards for his/her musical talent
– An entrepreneur who has played a key role in a respected organization in his/her field
If the person is considered not only “good” but exceptional in his/her industry and can back this up with documentation, he/she is a very strong candidate for an O-1 visa.
How to Obtain an O1 Visa?
The O-1 visa application should be made through a USA-based employer or agency, not individually. The stages can be summarized as follows:
1. Eligibility Analysis
It must be proven that the applicant meets at least 3 of the 10 criteria set by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). If the applicant is a recipient of a prestigious international award, most of these criteria are directly met.
2. Identification of the Sponsoring Organization
A company or agency operating in the USA will sponsor the applicant and prepare a detailed job description for the project.
3. Preparation of Documents
Documents to be collected for the application, depending on the type of achievements, should include
– Awards and degrees showing achievements
– Media publications, news clippings
– Academic articles, books
– Professional reference letters
– Contracts and project details
– CV and passport details
4. I-129 Formu ile USCIS Başvurusu
Form I-129 and supporting documents are submitted to USCIS. While the process takes 2-3 months on average, this period can be reduced to 15 days with Premium Processing for change of status applications from within the USA.
5. Consular Interview
After the USCIS approval is received after the intra-USA application, the applicant goes to an interview at the USA Consulate where the applicant is affiliated and the visa is processed in the passport.
O-2 and O-3 Visas Solutions for Accompanying Persons
– O-2 Visa: For people who provide technical or artistic support to the O-1 visa holder on a special project. This person is vital to the performance of the artist or athlete.
– O-3 Visa: Spouses and children under the age of 21 of O-1 and O-2 visa holders can come to the US with this visa, but they are not allowed to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an O-1 visa valid?
The visa issued by the Consulate after the first application is valid for 3 years. Later, if deemed necessary, 1-year extensions are possible for applications from within the US. It is also possible to obtain an extension of up to 3 years if a Consulate application is made outside the USA.
Is there a visa quota?
No, there is not. There is no annual number limit for O-1 visas.
Can family members come to the USA?
Yes. With an O-3 visa, spouse and children can also live in the US with the O-1 holder.
The Gateway to the USA with Exceptional Talent
If you believe and can document that you “make a difference” and “are among the best” in your field, the O-1 Visa can be a powerful career gateway for you. Working with an experienced immigration consultancy in this process can significantly increase the chances of your file being accepted. Marsan Akguc Law Firm’s experienced team will be happy to assist you at every stage.