O-1 Visas in Pittsburgh and Surrounding Counties
Understanding O-1 Visas
The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, business, education, or athletics (O-1A), and those with extraordinary achievement in the arts, film, and television (O-1B).
To qualify for an O-1 visa, individuals must work in their field of extraordinary ability in the United States. While the job itself doesn’t need to require extraordinary ability, the individual must demonstrate significant achievements.
O-1A Visas
The O-1A visa is for those with extraordinary ability in education, business, sciences, or athletics. Eligibility requires either a significant international award, such as a Nobel Prize, or at least three of the following:
- Internationally or nationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
- Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements.
- Published material in professional publications or media about the individual’s work.
- Original contributions of major significance in the field.
- Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals.
- Evidence of a high salary compared to others in the field.
- Employment in a critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation.
Comparable evidence can also be submitted if it doesn’t fit the above categories.
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O-1B Visas
The O-1B visa is for those with extraordinary ability in the arts, television, or film industries. Eligibility requires either a significant international or national award, such as an Emmy, Grammy, or Academy Award, or at least three of the following:
- Performance in productions with acclaimed notoriety.
- National or international recognition through critical reviews or published materials.
- Performance in a critical role for prominent organizations.
- Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success.
- Significant recognition from critics, government agencies, or recognized experts.
- Commanding a high salary compared to others in the field.
Comparable evidence can also be submitted if it doesn’t fit the above categories.
O-2 Visas
O-2 visas are for individuals accompanying O-1 visa holders to assist in scheduled events or performances. Eligibility requires demonstrating integral support to the O-1 visa holder and possessing irreplaceable skills and experience.
O-3 Visas
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of O-1 and O-2 visa holders can accompany them to the United States on O-3 visas. However, O-3 visa holders are not authorized to work.
Advisory Opinion Requirement
All O-1 and O-2 petitions must include an advisory opinion from a U.S.-based peer group, labor organization, or expert in the applicant’s field. This opinion should describe the individual’s achievements, the nature of the proposed position, and whether it requires extraordinary ability.
Employer/Agent Requirement
An O visa petition must be filed by a U.S.-based employer or agent. The petition should include the applicant’s employment contract or a summary of the oral terms of employment. If the applicant will work for multiple employers, a single agent can file the petition, accompanied by contracts and a complete itinerary of work events.
Contact an Experienced Business Immigration Lawyer in Pittsburgh
If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing an O-1 visa, Elias Legal Firm is here to help. Attorney John M. Elias, Esq., is a skilled business immigration attorney who has successfully assisted many individuals through the O-1 visa process.
Schedule a Free Consultation
To discuss your business immigration needs with John M. Elias, please contact Elias Legal Firm at (724) 562-5140 or fill out our online contact form. We offer free consultations in person, by phone, or via secure video conferencing. Weekend consultations are also available upon request.
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