O-1 Aliens with Extraordinary Ability

The O category is reserved for:

• Aliens of extraordinary ability—in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1),
• the artist or athlete and support staff (O-2), and
• the O-1 spouse and/or child(ren) (O-3).

To qualify, the alien must be coming to the U.S. to work in his or her area of extraordinary ability or achievement. There is currently no annual cap on O visas. The petition is filed by the employer, and not by the alien. The petition must be submitted with evidence that the alien has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence of at least three of the following:

• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
• Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized international experts;
• Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the alien and his work in the field for which classification is sought;
• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
• Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought;
• A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence;
• Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought;
• Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.

If the above standards do not readily apply to the alien's occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish the alien's eligibility.

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O-1 Extraordinary Ability (Arts, Motion Picture, or Television)

The O-1 category also applies to aliens who are coming temporarily and have extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

A U.S. employer should file the I-129 petition with evidence that the alien has received, or been nominated for, significant national or international awards or prizes in the particular field, such as an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy or Director's Guild Award, or evidence of at least three of the following:

• Performed or will perform services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements;
• Achieved national or international recognition for achievements, as shown by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
• A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as shown by such indicators as title, rating or standing in the field, box office receipts, motion picture or television ratings and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers or other publications;
• Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged, with the testimonials clearly indicating the author's authority, expertise and knowledge of the alien's achievements;
• A high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as shown by contracts or other reliable evidence; or

If the above standards do not readily apply to the alien's occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish the alien's eligibility.

Spouses and minor children (dependents) of O-1 are admitted under O-3 status with the same restrictions as the principal. They may not work in the U.S. under this classification.

These are general guidelines only. If you wish to discuss your eligibility as a petitioner or beneficiary under this category, please e-mail the individual's detailed resume with a brief description of the employer to heller@greencard1.com.


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