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
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.Latest news & Reference links
Latest case studies
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.
Contact Davies & Associates Offices in United States
Check all of our locations around the world.
Company location
New York Office
1 World Trade Center,Suite 8500 New York, NY 10007
Map and Driving Directions
New York Office
200 E69th Street, 2N,New York , NY 10022
Map and Driving Directions
Los Angeles Office
601 South Figueroa Street Suite 4050 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Map and Driving Directions
Chicago Office
155 N. Upper Wacker Dr. Suite 4250 Chicago, IL 60606
Map and Driving Directions
Miami Office
80 S.W. 8th St Suite 2000 Miami, FL 33130
Map and Driving Directions
Atlanta Office
1075 Peachtree Street NE Suite 3650 Atlanta, GA 30309
Map and Driving Directions
Telephone number
New York Office
+1 212 537 9196
New York Office
+1 212 537-9196
Chicago Office
+1 312 803 6950
Miami Office
+1 305 423 7163
Contact us by email
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.
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.
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.
Getting my E2 Visa was a very in-depth process that took just over a year from when I committed to it, but 8 months from when I found a business I wanted to purchase. The only reason I'm giving 4 and not 5 stars is because the timeframe was a lot longer than expected from the initial information. Aside from the timing, Verdie and his team led me through the Visa process, providing all the guidance I needed to be successful, including advising me on the RIGHT type of Visa to suit my goals. Within the process I purchased a business and the greater Davies team included lawyer Rinat who helped me put the deal together. One of the biggest parts was my Business Plan which created from my info by Ana Ortiz, who did an incredible job. The process is certainly tedious and Verdie & Christina were always there to answer my questions, provide suggestions and advice and ensure I had all the documents I needed to support my application. I appreciated their patience with my questions and their advice and in the end, the application was so thorough the interview process was quick and easy. I highly recommend Davies & Associates and look forward to working with them again when it's time to renew my Visa.
When we first started our search for a firm to represent us in our journey to acquire my E2 visa, we reached out to a couple of companies and individual Attorneys. The responsive of the team-at D&A and positive reviews made the choice obvious. From the start D&A staff were very professional and easy to work with. Our Attorney, Verdie was very knowledgeable in the matter. He answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns. The team is very professional and did a wonderful job on our Business plan. And helpful Etta put together all the documentations needed for my application. All in all, Davies & Associates organization and step by step system, helped the whole process to move smoothly with out a glitch. I highly recommend Davies & Associates for any one who is pursuing an E2 Visa.
Looking to acquire an O1 Visa ?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
O1 Visa Immigration lawyer near meSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand.
Individual seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaD&A was very detail-oriented and was very thorough in what they did” L1 Visa Client. There was a lot of work on my case and worked on it 24/7 and was very patient answering all my questions.
E2 Visa ClientMy case felt complex but D&A managed the whole process carefully and helped me move seamlessly from one stage to the next.
E2 + CBI ClientD&A was my guiding light through the entire EB5 Process.
EB5 Visa ClientI would definitely be a big advocate for the rest of my life for anyone wanting to explore the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme leading to the E2 Visa. The most important thing is a good team behind you.. with Davies & Associates you’re in safe hands… you need someone who can give you all the support at the ground level and, again, you are well take care of by D&A. The people are really warm, very helpful and quite openminded when it comes to business… Not to mention as a passport it’s great from a travel perspective…It’s just 4/5 hours from New York.
Grenada CBI + E2 Visa ClientThe entire process of getting an EB5 visa is handled in a professional way by Mark Davies and his team. EB5 is a wonderful option for anyone considering moving to the United States if you have the means. I was hoping to use the H1B route for my children, but it became unreliable and so I looked to the EB5 Visa instead. It is great for anyone who has the resources. Mark gives you the first meetings himself which gives you great comfort. Both Mark and Sanjay are abundantly available and I even had the pleasure of hosting them at my house.
Parent of 2 EB5 Visa HoldersI'm in a process of extending my L1 visa. I submitted a few questions regarding my case and he contacted me back almost immediately both by e-mail and telephone. Unlike other attorneys I met before, he gave me the impression of knowing from the top of his head what kind of visa I have, and what actions had to be taken to extend it. He is very thorough and clear regarding the process and what to expect in terms of timelines and issues that may arise. He is constantly in contact, so you definitely know he's working on your case.
L1B Visa HolderMark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer.
E2 Visa for Small Professional Business With International OfficesDavies & Associates assisted us with an immigration emergency involving my brother's fiancée who was outside the United States. They assisted us in an highly professional manner, working with the relevant US embassy, US immigration and the governments of two other countries. As a result of their efforts the individual involved is now working in the United States. While their knowledge of the law is exemplary what really distinguishes this firm and attorney Davies from any other firm we have worked with is their dedication to customer service and their unrivaled level of professionalism.
Complex Fiancée Visa Need Involving Multiple International JurisdictionsSeveral lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time.
Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN VisaI was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States.
Doctor Seeking J1 Visa WaiverI am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case.
U Visa Applicant, A Victim of CrimeLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa applicaton?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas, we solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
Request Free Consultation