The O-1 visa is for nonimmigrants who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
The O nonimmigrant classification are commonly referred to as:
- O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)
- O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry
- O-2: Individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance
- O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
What evidence is necessary to determine O-1 Visa eligibility?
You must provide evidence demonstrating your extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, business, education, or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture industry. The record must include at least three different types of documentation corresponding to those listed in the regulations, or comparable evidence in certain circumstances, and the evidence must, as a whole, demonstrate that you meet the relevant standards for classification. Detailed information regarding how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine eligibility and whether you are coming to the United States to continue working in the area of extraordinary ability can be found in the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4.
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