| EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY VISA (O-1) |
The O-1 visa is available to people of
extraordinary ability in the field of arts, science, education,
business or athletics. You must have achieved a level of
expertise indicating that you are among the few individuals who
have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor. The O-1
visa is a temporary visa that does not grant permanent resident
status to its holder, but rather permits the beneficiary to
remain in the US for a designated period of time, often one to
three years. The O-1 visa may be renewed indefinitely.
The O-1 visa is a popular option for
musicians and artists, as it does not require its holder to have
a specific professional credential (such as a diploma), but
rather a high level of overall achievement. In order to receive
an O-1, an applicant must have either received an award of
international significance (an Oscar, Olympic medal, etc.) or
have achieved recognition in any three of the following
categories:
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1.
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Nationally
or internationally recognized awards or prizes of
excellence in your field of endeavor |
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2.
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Membership
in associations, which require outstanding achievements
of their members, as judged by recognized national or
international experts in their disciplines or fields |
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3.
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Description of the applicant’s work in professional or
major trade publications, or major media |
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4.
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Participation as a judge, either individually or as a
member of a panel, of the work of others in the same or
an allied field |
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5.
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Articles
by the applicant have been published in professional or
major trade publications |
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6.
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Original
scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions
of major significance in the field |
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7.
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Performing
in a leading or critical role for organizations or
establishments that have a distinguished reputation |
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8.
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Commanding
a high salary or remuneration for services |
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9.
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Any other
evidence to show eligibility |
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