O-1 Visa Services

What is an O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry. It allows such individuals to work in the United States in their field of expertise.

The O-1 visa is divided into two categories:

• O-1A: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics
• O-1B: For individuals with extraordinary ability in arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry

O-1A Visa Requirements (Sciences, Education, Business, or Athletics)

To qualify for an O-1A visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics by sustained national or international acclaim. This can be evidenced by:

• Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal, or Pulitzer Prize; or
• Documentation of at least three of the following:
• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field
• Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement as judged by recognized national or international experts
• Published material about you in professional or major trade publications or major media
• Participation as a judge of the work of others in your field, either individually or on a panel
• Original scientific, scholarly, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance
• Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media
• Evidence of high salary or other substantially high remuneration compared to others in your field
• Performance in a leading or critical role for organizations with distinguished reputations

O-1B Visa Requirements (Arts, Motion Picture, or Television)

To qualify for an O-1B visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. This can be evidenced by:

• Receipt of significant national or international awards or prizes for excellence, such as an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, or Director's Guild Award; or
• Documentation of at least three of the following:
• Performance in a leading or starring role in productions or events with distinguished reputations
• National or international recognition for achievements through critical reviews, articles, or other published materials
• Performance in a leading, starring, or critical role for organizations with distinguished reputations
• Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes
• Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or recognized experts
• High salary or other substantial remuneration compared to others in your field

Our O-1 Visa Services

JZ Law Group provides comprehensive legal services for the O-1 visa process, including:

• Evaluating eligibility for O-1 classification
• Strategic planning to present your achievements in the most compelling way
• Preparing and assembling documentation of your extraordinary ability
• Obtaining expert opinion letters and testimonials
• Drafting a persuasive petition letter
• Preparing and filing the O-1 petition with USCIS
• Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• O-1 visa extensions and amendments
• O-3 dependent applications for family members

Advantages of the O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa offers several advantages compared to other visa categories:

• No annual cap or lottery system
• No requirement for prevailing wage determination
• Can be self-petitioned with an agent arrangement
• No fixed duration of stay (can be extended indefinitely in one-year increments)
• Dual intent recognition (can pursue permanent residency)
• Spouses and children under 21 can accompany you on O-3 visas

O-1 Visa Process

The O-1 visa application process typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation with a U.S. peer group, labor organization, or management organization in your field
2. Preparation and filing of Form I-129 petition with supporting documentation
3. USCIS processing (premium processing available for expedited 15 business day processing)
4. If approved, apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate (if abroad)
5. Enter the U.S. and begin working in your field of extraordinary ability

Why Choose JZ Law Group for Your O-1 Case

Our firm has extensive experience helping talented individuals obtain O-1 visas across various fields. We understand that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach to effectively showcase your extraordinary ability. Our attorneys work closely with you to develop a comprehensive strategy, identify the strongest evidence, and present your achievements in the most compelling way to maximize your chances of approval.