  |
 |
|
|
O Visa Category |
 |
The O-1 visa is for use by "aliens of extraordinary ability" in the
sciences, education, business, arts and athletes. To qualify for an O-1
visa, the foreign national must be considered to be at the top of his/her
field, must be highly talented and demonstrate sustained national or
international recognition and acclaim. The standard defining "extraordinary"
varies dependent upon the area in which the beneficiary will perform
services. For example, there is a lower standard for artists and
entertainers.
 What are some examples of evidence
which qualifies a person for O-1 status?
Some examples are receipt of a Nobel Prize, association memberships which
require outstanding achievements of their members, publications, media/press
coverage of the foreign national's work, contributions of major significance
in filed, office or employment of critical capacity to organization, high
salary (for entertainers, an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Director's
Guild, etc).
What is the length of stay for an
O-1 visa holder?
An O-1 visa holder can remain in the United States for the period of time
the "event" he is entering the United States to attend is ongoing.
Are support personnel able to
follow the O-1 nonimmigrant?
Support personnel of entertainers and athletes also may enter the U.S. on an
O-2 visa. However, the O-2 recipient must meet a very exacting standard.
Support personnel must be able to prove that they are an "integral part" of
the performance and that the possess "critical skills and experience"
specific and of a personal nature with the principal O-1 foreign national.
[back to U.S. Business Visas]
|
|
|
