O Visa

O Visa Attorneys in Manhattan

Many models, actors, athletes, musicians, and other talented individuals have to travel around the world for their profession and often times find themselves moving to the United States. An O-visa grants an individual who can prove that they have “extraordinary ability” in their field the ability to obtain employment in the United States. There are several different types of O-visas available. If you are an individual of extraordinary ability and wish to consider your employment options in the United States, it is important that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney. Katona & Associates, PLLC has proudly served individuals across NYC for nearly 20 years. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, contact Katona & Associates, PLLC today.

O-1 Visa: Athletics, Business, Education, or Science

The O-1 A visa is reserved for individuals who have extraordinary ability in athletics, business, education, or science. To be eligible to apply for this type of visa, you must have either won a major award in your field or meet at least three of the following criteria:

• You have won an award for excellence
• You have received a high salary for your field
• You are a member of an Association that requires an outstanding achievement
• You will be serving a critical role in a distinguished organization
• You have had articles written about you in a major media publication
• You have written a scholarly article
• You have acted as a judge of others in the field
• You have made an original contribution of significance to the field

O-1B Visa: The Arts

This visa is reserved for those who have extraordinary ability in the arts. If you are issued an O-1B visa, you, your support staff, and your dependents are allowed to come to the United States. While you and your support staff are permitted to work on this visa, your dependents are not. To become eligible for an O-1B Visa, you must have either won a major award (like an Oscar or an Emmy), or you meet at least three of the following criteria:

• You have received a high salary for your field
• You have and will be a lead role in a distinguished event
• You have received recognition from experts in the field
• You have had articles written about you in major media publications
• You have a record of major critical or commercial success
• You have or will have a critical role in a distinguished organization

Evidence of Extraordinary Ability

It isn’t always easy to prove that you are an individual of extraordinary ability. Some of the ways that you can do so include providing some of the following sources of evidence:

• Album or art sales
• Potential concert schedule
• Past concert schedules or tours
• Awards you have won
• Itineraries such as tour dates, gallery openings, production calendar, game schedule, or research calendar
• A contract between the petitioner and beneficiary
• A written opinion from an organization in the United States that details your ability

Contact a NYC Employment Visa Attorney

For nearly 20 years, Katona & Associates, PLLC has proudly represented clients who wish to come to the United States for employment purposes, as well as their employers. Our firm is proud to facilitate these relationships and help all parties navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law. To discuss your situation with a legal team you can trust, contact Katona & Associates, PLLC today and schedule a consultation.