Extraordinary Ability (O1)

Overview

“O” visa applies to persons who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television field.

Period of Stay

“O” visa holders are authorized to stay in the United States for a period of three (3) years and may be extended for a year.

Eligibility Requirements

* The applicant must possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or has extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television field;
* There should be an offer to the applicant to perform services in the United States on the basis of his abilities;
* The applicant should have performed services of the same nature in the past in reputable organizations;
* The applicant must have received significant recognition or awards in his field of expertise.

Premium Processing

The BCIS offers an expedited 14-day service for an additional fee of $1,000.00. Regular processing currently takes about 12-14 weeks. The advantage of Premium Processing is speed. The disadvantage is that in order to expedite a case within the 14-day deadline, the BCIS does not have adequate time to request additional information to clarify any ambiguities in the petition. Therefore a denial is far more frequent in Premium Processing cases than with Regular Processing. We will provide you with a legal opinion as to the merits of Premium Processing in your particular case.

Family Members

With the exception of "Q-1 Cultural Exchange Visitors," the spouse and unmarried, minor children of an applicant under any of the above classifications may also be classified as nonimmigrants in order to accompany or join the principal applicant. A person who has received a visa as the spouse or child of a temporary worker may not accept employment in the United States. The principal applicant must be able to show that he or she will be able to support his or her family in the United States.