What is O1 Visa?

The O1 Visa is a non-immigrant (temporary) work visa for people with extraordinary ability in a range of fields. There are two categories: the O1A Visa is for those with extraordinary ability in education, science, athletics or business, and the O1B Visa is for people for professionals in the arts, TV or motion pictures industries. The O1 applicant may also apply to bring support staff with them on an O2 Visa and family on an O3 Visa. Unlike most visa categories, O1 Visa holders are permitted to apply for a Green Card (US Permanent Residency) during their stay in the United States. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Benefits of O1 Visa

  • The O1 Visa is a versatile category with many different options
  • O1 Visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed in yearly instalments thereafter
  • O1 Visa holders can apply to bring support staff through the O2 Visa route
  • O1 Visa holders can apply to bring family through the O3 Visa route
  • O1 Visa holders are permitted to seek permanent residency (Green Card) during their stay in the United States
  • As a leader in motion pictures, music, commerce, education and sport, the US offers great opportunity for professional advancement

O1 visa program

There are several types of O1 visa:

O1A - For people with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)

O1B Visa - For people with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

O2 - For people who will assist O1 visa candidates with a specific event or performance.

O3 - For the spouse and children up to 21 years of age of the O-1 candidates

Less commonly known, the O1 visa is also suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners, providing availability to establish a U.S. company, unlike other types of nonimmigrant (temporary) work visas.

If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

The O1 visa is generally valid for three years, after which an extension can be filed on a yearly basis. If the O1 beneficiary wishes to change employers, the new employer must file an O1 petition on his or her behalf. The new employer may request a period of O1 status of up to three years (rather than just the one-year for extensions). O1 employers must demonstrate they have enough work to warrant the amount of time they are requesting. Primarily O1 beneficiaries whose work is in the performing arts, need to provide an itinerary of assignments for the period of O1 status they are requesting.

If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

The O1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for people who are able to demonstrate an extraordinary ability in science, the arts, education, business, athletics, or film & television.

O1A Visa Is for people with extraordinary ability in education, business, science or the arts.

O1B Visa is for individuals who can demonstrate that they have been recognized nationally or internationally in film or television.

O1 visa holders are also able to apply for integral team members to join them in the United States for a specific event or performance. This person is granted an O2 visa.

O1 visa holders are permitted to bring their spouses to the United States on an O3 visa.

If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

While the O-1 is a well-known route for the arts and sciences, it is less well known as a path for entrepreneurs and business owners. In addition to successfully assisting artists and scientists, Davies & Associates has helped entrepreneurs and businessmen move to the United States on an O1 visa.

We work with our clients to prepare the strongest and most credible case. This includes determining the best documentation to support the assertion that our client is of extraordinary talent. Such documentation includes prizes, publications, membership associations, patents, media coverage, employment history, etc.

Businessmen and entrepreneurs have multiple different options for moving to the United States. Davies & Associates specializes in helping entrepreneurs understand the merits of the different options and works to find the best solution to suit each client’s circumstances.

Besides the O1 visa, other options for entrepreneurs include:

  • The L1 Visa: Expand your business to the United States and move there to run that business
  • The E2 Visa: Purchase or set-up a business in the United States
  • The EB5 Visa: Invest in a green card for the freedom to conduct business in the United States
If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

There are several types of O1 visa:

O1A - For people with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)

O1B Visa - For people with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

O2 - For people who will assist O1 visa candidates with a specific event or performance.

O3 - For the spouse and children up to 21 years of age of the O-1 candidates

Less commonly known, the O1 visa is also suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners, providing availability to establish a U.S. company, unlike other types of nonimmigrant (temporary) work visas.

If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

The O1 visa has several advantages, including the fact that there is no wage requirement for applying to the O1 visa, unlike the H1B visa (although the wage must be appropriate for a candidate of such a high caliber). Similarly, unlike the H1B visa, there exists no “visa lottery” for the O1 visa, even for private companies. Moreover, while the average processing time for the visa is generally two to three months, premium processing is always available. Premium processing is available to O-1 candidates for a USCIS filing fee of $2500. This means USCIS will adjudicate the petition within 15 days of the day they “receipt” the case in. This is in the form of approval, RFE (Request for Evidence) or (rarely) denial. If USCIS issues an RFE, they have another 15 days from the time we respond to it to render a final decision.

If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

The O1 visa is generally valid for three years, after which an extension can be filed on a yearly basis. If the O-1 beneficiary wishes to change employers, the new employer must file an O-1 petition on his or her behalf. The new employer may request a period of O-1 status of up to three years (rather than just the one-year for extensions). O-1 employers must demonstrate they have enough work to warrant the amount of time they are requesting. Primarily O-1 beneficiaries whose work is in the performing arts, need to provide an itinerary of assignments for the period of O-1 status they are requesting.

If you have a question about How Can Davies & Associates Help You?, please contact us.

Why make Davies & Associates Your O1 Talent Visas Lawyers

  • Davies & Associates has helped many clients successfully petition for an O1 Visa without any denials.
  • We have worked with actors, singers, business leaders, athletes, chefs, costume designers, and more. While the US government has established eligibility criteria for the O1 visa, we are able to help you build a strong case against these criteria.
  • If our attorneys do not think you would be successful with an O1 visa application, we will help you establish alternative routes to the United States.

Top 25 Attorney

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Jeremy Abernathy
Jeremy Abernathy
2 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Verdie and Nessa to obtain my E2 Visa. Their in-depth knowledge and experience allowed me to be fully prepared in my application and they were able to answer all questions leading up to the Visa interview.

Saeed Muhammad
Saeed Muhammad
3 months ago

Verdie was an amazing attorney, providing exceptional client care throughout the process. He had a great depth of knowledge in all areas on business visas in the US.

Satyabrat Chowdhury
Satyabrat Chowdhury
6 months ago

I had a great experience with Davies & Associates. They are very thorough in the approach and their have experts in this field who know the domain very well.I would certainly be leaning onto them for any future needs as well.

hoshino ryuichi
hoshino ryuichi
6 months ago

Thanks to them for handling my E2 visa very professionally. I had a study visa from F1 and changed it to E2. I encountered many problems during the application process. Verdie and Etta were very patient in helping me and it took a long time. I highly recommend this place.

Tanuj Dewan
Tanuj Dewan
9 months ago

Outstanding Immigration Attorney: Highly Recommended! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) I had the pleasure of working with Verdie Atienza and his team at Davies & Associates , a top-notch immigration attorney in the United States. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout the process were exceptional. With in-depth knowledge of immigration law, they provided accurate advice and addressed all my concerns, instilling confidence. Verdie Atienza and his team meticulously reviewed my documentation and maintained excellent communication, keeping me updated regularly. What sets Davies & Associates apart is their unparalleled attention to detail. Communication with Verdie Atienza and his team in USA and Sukanya Raman in India was always prompt and efficient. They promptly returned my calls and emails, providing regular updates on the progress of my case. This level of responsiveness and transparency significantly reduced my stress levels, as I knew I could rely on their support and guidance throughout the entire process. Their personalized approach, ethical conduct, and genuine care for my success made them an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for all your immigration needs.

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